Aluminium WILL corrode in any environment, as will virtually any metal,
except Gold, Platinum etc. Corrosion IS oxidation, that's the chemical
process, which required Oxygen ( obviously) and moisture ( inevitable).
Acidic and Chloride rich environments will exacerbate the process. If you
check the dull surface, you will see white spots, and these are indeed
Aluminium oxide. It is a significant problem only in terms of electrical
continuity, so protect the joints between tubes as far as possible. As far
as mechanical degradation is concerned, I am more worried about being hit by
an alien spacecraft!
73
Clive
GW3NJW
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of KT2Q
Sent: 12 September 2005 06:13
To: TowerTalk
Subject: [TowerTalk] Aluminum longevity?
All:
Before I go to the trouble of coating the exterior of my new M2 Yagi, is
aluminum corrosion a real problem with the alloys used today?
Shouldn't the natural oxydation protect the surface of the antenna and stop
corrosion? What about the inside of the elements and boom? If surface
corrosion is a real problem, what's the sense of protecting the outside if
the inside is left bare?
I have a F12 antenna that's been up for 6 years. The aluminum is certainly
dull, but I don't see any corrosion. The clamps are rusted to hell, but the
rest is in fine shape.
So, what's the average life expectancy of aluminum before corrosion takes
it's toll and the antenna needs replacing?
73, Tony KT2Q
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless
Weather Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any
questions and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
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http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
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