Project Experience: Aluminum Corrosion

The purpose of the analysis was to determine the identification of individual components related to corrosion. Possible corrosion was noticed on aluminum fins in cooling/heating coil-heat pump. The material was analyzed and particles showed presence of nearly amorphous material. Additional testing revealed the presence of aluminum (Al) and oxygen (O), most likely as a mixture of oxide/hydroxide/oxy-hydroxide. In conclusion, analysis showed the material is composed of a mixture of aluminum oxide/hydroxide/oxy-hydroxide. The material is most likely produced due to corrosion of aluminum in humid and hot environment. Elements known to accelerate the corrosion such as chlorine and sulfur were not found. The ability to use various microscopy instruments proved invaluable regarding unknown material identification in relation to corrosion.