Corrosion & Chemical Changes In Aluminum Metal

Aluminum is a metal that has many industrial applications. In its pure state it is very reactive. However, it is made less reactive and resists corrosion due to a coating that occurs on its surface. This coating is aluminum oxide, which protects the aluminum underneath it. Various chemicals can react with the aluminum oxide, thereby potentially promoting further corrosion and changes to the pure aluminum underneath.

Aluminum's reactivity prevents it from occurring naturally in its pure state. Instead, it is present in an ore called bauxite. In order to yield aluminum for use in the industrial world, the bauxite must undergo a purification process called the Bayer process. Aluminum ions have a charge of +3. This means that the atoms have three more protons than electrons. In order to add electrons to aluminum ions, the purification process therefore requires a large amount of electricity.

Aluminum oxide has a chemical formula of Al2O3. The two aluminum ions have a combined charge of +6, and the oxygen ions have a combined charge of -6. Pure aluminum atoms will react with oxygen atoms to form a layer of aluminum oxide at the surface of a pure aluminum sample. Aluminum oxide is a very hard crystalline compound, with a melting point at over 2,000 degrees Celsius (3,632 Fahrenheit).

The creation of aluminum oxide is an example of corrosion. The aluminum atoms lose electrons to oxygen atoms. However, the layer of aluminum oxide that forms on the surface of pure aluminum protects the aluminum below it from further corrosion. The aluminum can be protected even more by a thicker layer of aluminum oxide on a sample. This is accomplished through electrolysis.

Aluminum oxide is not impervious to other chemical changes. Aluminum oxide reacts with OH- ions to form aluminum hydroxide. Therefore, it is not a good idea to expose any aluminum pots and pans to alkaline, or basic, foods and chemicals. As the aluminum oxide breaks down, this will enable the pure aluminum underneath it to react as well. Acidic compounds, on the other hand, can strengthen the aluminum oxide layer and help prevent against corrosion and other chemical reactions.