Tell me more ×
Physics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for active researchers, academics and students of physics. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

When conducting MIL-STD-810, Method 509 salt Spray test many metals, but especially aluminum come out covered with slime. The slime usually dries to an easily removed powder. What is this slime? I was once told it was some sort of aluminum hydrate, I'm not sure I believe that.

The one time I did this test with aluminum that did not include galvanically dissimilar metals in contact with the aluminum, I don't recall any slime, but this test was a flat sheet treated with Hexavalent Chromium -- there was no corrosion at all.

share|improve this question
I believe this is just a chemistry question and is off topic on this site. – David Zaslavsky♦ Jul 18 '11 at 22:59
You might want to commit to the proposed chemistry site. – Dan Jul 19 '11 at 0:10

closed as off topic by David Zaslavsky♦ Jul 18 '11 at 22:59

Questions on Physics Stack Exchange are expected to relate to physics within the scope defined in the FAQ. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about closed questions here.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.