The power of aluminum

[Alexander1312]

Interesting article due to its linkage to modern day aviation safety protocols.

However, what I found more insightful was the reference to and the power of aluminum, which does not corrode in seawater, and which seemed to be at display here after the plane being in the ocean for almost 70 years.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/21/us/pan-am-clipper-endeavor-wreckage-found.html?unlocked_article_code=1.zlA.iScx.OafIEhf2F6Hg&smid=nytcore-ios-share

 

[MolaMola]

Aluminum doesn’t continuously corrode in seawater IF there is no stray current to destroy it by galvanic corrosion. If carefully attended to, lots of great saltwater applications.

 

[PjFish]

Aluminum doesn’t continuously corrode in seawater IF there is no stray current to destroy it by galvanic corrosion. If carefully attended to, lots of great saltwater applications.

Several grades of aluminum out there which marine grade is preferred around saltwater of which several grades in itself..Has added magnesium-silicon to resist saltwater corrosion. Older aluminum boats were made much better never rusted and barely pitted at least the one I had and even kept it in saltwater on a buoy for years no issues. Nowadays different story just gota double check what type of aluminum fits your bill boat manufacturing companies are using less grade aluminum but powder coating or adding protective barriers that eventually wear off ..But attaching zinc, aluminum or magnesium anodes to aluminum boat props as a sacrificial lamb is a must otherwise galvanic corrosion will swiss cheese aluminum fairly quickly. Plus all the stray currents floating around in marinas will definitely speed up corrosion.