http://www.world-aluminium.org/applications/construction/index.html
the second paragraph states "Its resistance to corrosion means it is virtually maintenance-free." The fact is that aluminium oxide forms almost immediatly on contact with air.It remains just a few molecules thick unless other factors are involved.Its also this property which gives the soft metal a modicum of resistance to abrasion That thin oxide surface is very stable and effectivly prevents the rest of the metal from further oxidation which is why, when welding, its best to use a shield of argon gas to stop the aluminium from absorbing oxygen and going brittle. The downside of mounting on aluminium must be the high coeficient of expansion which even in a domestic setting with temperature varying day to night every day, may in time, break the bond if the adhesive used age hardens,yet another factor to consider. Just think Fujitsu had several MILLION hard drives fail last year (as I understand) just because one of their suppliers who supplied a resin for encapsulating a chip changed the formula and the resin failed. Keeps the subject digital too thats my last word on it,honest ! Regards Michael Wilkinson. 106 Holyhead Rd, Ketley, Telford, Shropshire. England TF1 5DJ 44 (0) 1952 618986. www.infocus-photography.co.uk For Negatives & transparencies from digital files ----- Original Message ----- From: "william.curwen" Subject: Re: [PRODIG] Mounting digital prints on aluminium > > Aluminium, like many other metals, only oxidises on its surface - and then > the oxidation process stops. Unlike oxidised sheet steel, aluminium does not > flake, and due to its light weight and durability, it is considered to be an > excellent material for archival mounting purposes. > > Like any other metal (except gold) aluminium is relatively vulnerable to the > effects of sea air, which is electrolytic - not oxidic by nature. =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
