Corrosion Protection
From Matronics
Contents |
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Overview
Proper corrosion protection will extend the life of your airframe significantly. This subject has been debated many times. This page aims to bring a collection of research together in one spot.
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Corrosion Prevention Chemicals
| IMPORTANT: READ VENDOR-SPECIFIC MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) PRIOR TO USING ANY CHEMICAL |
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The following chemicals have been used and/or recommended for treating aluminum by builders.
| Chemical | Suppliers | Application | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Chromate (MSDS) | Aircraft Spruce (Catalog) | Aerosol | Time-tested; used for decades in the aviation industry | Health risks; Known carcinogen. |
| Zinc Oxide | Aircraft Spruce (Catalog) | Aerosol | Less health risk than Chromate-based pigments | ? |
| Cortec | Zenith Aircraft | Brush-on | Less airborne particles than aerosol-based primers | ? |
The following chemicals can be used to prepare aluminum for corrosion protection application.
| Chemical | Suppliers | Application | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumiprep | Aircraft Spruce (Catalog) | Comes in a bottle | |
| Alodine | Aircraft Spruce (Catalog) | Comes in a bottle |
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Aluminum Treatment Techniques
- DVD - Metalworking 101 with the Rudder Workshop recommends wiping aluminum with laquer thinner, then brushing Cortec on all mating surfaces (after drilling and deburring).
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General Information
- "Corrosion Protection Answers": On INTERNAL corrosion protection, adhesion, surface prep techniques, use of automotive primers. A nice bit of information from PTI as part of the analysis. This thread recommends inexpensive preparation of aluminum by using a rag and isopropyl alcohol. It also recommends against using automotive primers, even if they are zinc chromate based.
- Where can I buy Cortec 373? - Describes how to apply 373. You can get Cortec from Zenith. Recommends wearing a respirator during application of Cortec, along with good ventilation.
- Newbie building CH701 - Corrosion / Gotchas - 1 2 3 4 - A thread featuring the following topics: thinning and application of cortec; metalprep 79, automotive primer, sacrificial zinc anodes, seaplanes, aluminum prep with soap, scotch brite #7557, zinc chromate on exterior rivet lines, more.
- EAA Chapter 1000 - Corrosion Control Articles - A nice collection of articles related to corrosion.
- How many don't use some kind of anti-corrosion primer? - Recommendations derived from the advice of a head metallurgist at a major aluminum smelter. Concludes that 6061 probably doesn't need additional protection, but suggests applying to mating surfaces if flying near the ocean.
- Cortec 373 - Safety concerns, cleanup procedures, etc.
