Aluminium and its alloys possess many useful architectural properties. We detail below those qualities that are particularly relevant to the building and associated industries.
Availability
Aluminium is the most common metallic element and its oxide form, known as bauxite, is the third most abundant substance.
Bi-metallic Corrosion
In the presence of moisture direct contact between aluminium and other metals should be avoided otherwise bi-metallic corrosion may occur. Where there is such potential for bi-metallic corrosion then the different metals must be isolated from each other by means of a suitable gasket or by coating or painting the contact area. There is no risk of bi-metallic corrosion in dry conditions.
Corrosion resistance
Aluminium is highly resistant to weathering, even in polluted industrial atmospheres and also resists attack from many acids.
The excellent corrosion resistance of aluminium is due to the permanent presence on the surface of an invisible oxide film, making the material environmentally passive. If the surface is cut or scratched the protective film immediately reforms. Unless some substance or condition destroys this oxide coating, the metal remains resistant to corrosion.






