Two 1940's(?) Gunongs

kronckew · 14th February 2018, 06:49 AM

Aluminum (just to be different they call it Aluminium here in the UK) prior to the start of commercial production around 1855, was considered a rare metal and was more costly than gold. A lady wore an Aluminum necklace with pride that her husband could afford it... late19c saw the hall process and swiftly aluminum was available for structural uses...The aircraft industry, especially after ww1 and duralumin alloys used it extensively, especially after all metal aircraft started being made. It also binds agressively with oxygen, forming a protective layer on the surface that essentially stops further oxidation, unlike iron, abrasion doesn't open up the metal to further oxidation as the surface oxide layer is essentially instantly replaced. It does tend to develop a whitish cast over time from other chemicals, such as salt...Anodizing with sulphuric or chromic acid produces a thicker oxide layer and increases corrosion resistance.

It's also used in other weapons systems, and industrial applications as 'Thermite', a mix of aluminum powder and iron oxide, which when ignited produces a ferocious reaction as the aluminum 'steals' the oxygen from the iron, plus a lot of heat, which melts the iron which can then cut thru a lot of stuff, or weld the ends of steel tracks....

In relation to it's use in edged weapon components, it is not a bad thing.

14th February 2018, 06:49 AM	#8
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,222	Aluminum (just to be different they call it Aluminium here in the UK) prior to the start of commercial production around 1855, was considered a rare metal and was more costly than gold. A lady wore an Aluminum necklace with pride that her husband could afford it... late19c saw the hall process and swiftly aluminum was available for structural uses...The aircraft industry, especially after ww1 and duralumin alloys used it extensively, especially after all metal aircraft started being made. It also binds agressively with oxygen, forming a protective layer on the surface that essentially stops further oxidation, unlike iron, abrasion doesn't open up the metal to further oxidation as the surface oxide layer is essentially instantly replaced. It does tend to develop a whitish cast over time from other chemicals, such as salt...Anodizing with sulphuric or chromic acid produces a thicker oxide layer and increases corrosion resistance. It's also used in other weapons systems, and industrial applications as 'Thermite', a mix of aluminum powder and iron oxide, which when ignited produces a ferocious reaction as the aluminum 'steals' the oxygen from the iron, plus a lot of heat, which melts the iron which can then cut thru a lot of stuff, or weld the ends of steel tracks.... In relation to it's use in edged weapon components, it is not a bad thing.