corrosion (WOB)

[pveltri <pveltri@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

    Aluminum CAN corrode, it can also rust. Corrosion is the destruction of a material (usually
metal) caused by the CHEMICAL action of a liquid or gas. Corrosion is usually caused by two
complementery chemical processes, Reduction and Oxidation. Reduction and oxidation are opposite
processes and occur together with two substances. These combined reactions are called redox
processes. The term corrosion is usually taken to mean a redox process applicable to metals.
    Reduction occurs when a substance gains electrons (negativly charged particles of an atom),
while oxidation occurs when a substance losses electrons. The gain OR loss of these electrons
changes the chemical properties of the substance and produce some form of corrosion. There are
many different kinds of corrosion depending on the metal. The most common type of corrosion is
Rust. That green stuff on copper is a form of corrosion. Tarnish on silver is also a form of
corrosion. (Actually the term "Tarnish" is rust on any substance that does not contain iron).
    Aluminum is usually more RESISTANT to corrosion than other metals because there are several
different kinds of protective finishes (anodizing, painting, enamels, electroplating, etc.)  that
can be applied to aluminum.

- -MR. SUPER ANAL
98 M3 blue/grey

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