0
Pure Aluminium 'rusts' very quickly, however the more accurate term is corrosion - rusting chiefly refers to formation of oxides of iron and iron alloys. The corrosion of Aluminium is beneficial in that the metal is extremely reactive, and will quickly form a thin layer of Aluminium Oxide on its surface. This thin layer prevents further corrosion of the pure Aluminium underneath, making it look like it hasn't corroded at all.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago80 to 200 years. This is the answer that you see in many texts.
However, I am an avid Scuba diver. And I know by experience that when I find aluminum cans in the Caribbean, if they look like they have been in the water for awhile, when you touch them they fall appart (as if they are made of tissue paper). The can tops seem to be a bit more solid, but still seem much more flimsy. Aluminum cans have been used since the 1950's...so there is something very wrong with this 200-500 year number when salt water is concerned. I have been told that water temperature also is a big factor (the warmer the water the quicker aluminum will break down)
BUT...It really is a molecule on a gnat on a fly on an elephant's ass when you think about it.
In the human mindset, 200 years is a long time. Heck, so is 50, or 20. 20 minutes is a long time for me if I'm running on a treadmill.
But to an astronomical body that is 4.3 BILLION years old, 200 years is hardly a mouse fart. Also, considering that it has 70% of its surface covered in a corrosive substance, throwing one, ten, or a million aluminum cans (which came from the earth, and there is plenty of aluminum in the seabed and even the seawater) is probably not going to make a difference.
All of that said, I could never see myself intentionally throwing garbage overboard for the same reason that I would bend over and pick up a piece of trash and throw it away if I were in a public place, like a shopping mall. I just am not of that mindset that let's garbage go where it may.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoAluminum doesn't rust, but it may "corrode" over time...
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What makes cans rust?
The inside of a soda can is made of aluminum that is why they do not rust they only rust if the aluminum is all scratched up.
How long does it take copper to rust?
Copper doesn't rust
How do you make Aluminum rust?
Aluminium does not rust. Iron is the only metal that rusts.
Does aluminium alloys rust?
Aluminium cannot rust; rusting only happens to iron. Secondly, aluminum corrosion is automatically prevented by the metal itself. It reacts with oxygen in the air to create a shell of aluminum oxide, which is hard yet flexible enough to protect the surface from further damage.
What is the prediction for the rusting of aluminum?
Aluminium does not rust.
How long does it take an aluminum fence to rust?
Aluminum does not rust. Alumininum can also be anodized to keep it from corroding when salt and other contaminats get on it.
Will a aluminum soccer goal rust?
No, aluminum doesn't rust but it can corrode. If there is a sealant or coating on the aluminum to help protect it, then it will last for a long time.
What makes cans rust?
The inside of a soda can is made of aluminum that is why they do not rust they only rust if the aluminum is all scratched up.
How long does it take copper to rust?
Copper doesn't rust
Will galvanized aluminum rust?
Aluminum is not generally galvanized as the zinc would not be readily sacrificial for aluminum. There are steel products which derive rust resistance from a coating of aluminum and zinc alloy. Properly maintained, they will be rust free for 20 years or longer.
Can you put an aluminum table in a pool?
Under most conditions aluminum will not rust in water. However, if the aluminum is alloyed with another metal, oxidation (rusting) could take place.
How long does it take for earrings to rust in vinegar?
If they are an alloy, they will eventually rust.
How long those it take aluminum to decompose?
Aluminum corrodes rapidly on its exposed surface, but unlike the rust on iron which catalyzes more corrosion, this corrosion layer is protective and once it is thick enough corrosion stops. After that aluminum can last almost forever, unless the layer is damaged.
How long will it take a quarter to corrode or rust in fresh water?
How long will it t take a quarter to rust in fresh water
Does aluminum rust in coke or tap water?
aluminum doesnt rust. it oxidises so needs oxygen from any source
Will aluminum foil rust in water?
Rust is Iron oxide, so no.
Will your oxidized aluminum easel rust if left in the rain?
Aluminum does not rust. If it is oxidized, and then it is left out in the rain, it will more than likely corrode.Ê
