Corrosion properties of aluminium alloys and surface treated alloys in tap water

Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to obtain a basic knowledge of the factors that affect corrosion of aluminium in tap water for different kinds of applications like water pipes for tap water, solar systems, HVAC&R-applications (like fan coil units on chillers) and heat sinks for electronic or industrial applications. Open systems are used in some applications and closed systems in others. There is a clear difference in the corrosion behaviour of these two systems. The main reasons for this difference are that the content of oxygen differs between the two systems and also that inhibitors can be used in closed systems to hinder corrosion. In this thesis focus will be on corrosion in open systems. The corrosion properties in tap water for different alloys of aluminium and different surface treatments have been examined. The influences on corrosion of the oxygen content in water and the iron content in aluminium alloys have been investigated. The corrosion properties of an aluminium alloy in deionised water have also been examined.