Method to Improve the Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum Alloys
AssigneeConcurrent Technologies Corporation
InventorsLawrence S. Kramer, Catherine Wong
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Aluminum-magnesium alloys are ideal for ship construction; however, these alloys can become sensitized and susceptible to intergranular corrosion when exposed to moderately elevated temperatures. A stabilization treatment has been developed to reverse sensitization and restore corrosion resistance, such that in-service plate can be refurbished rather than replaced. This treatment involves a short exposure to a specific elevated temperature range and can be implemented with portable units onboard a ship.
Claims20
A method of stabilization of aluminum alloy objects comprising:
- exposing an aluminum alloy structure to an elevated temperature for a short period of time.
A method of stabilization of a sensitized aluminum-magnesium alloy structure comprising:
- applying a short elevated temperature exposure to the aluminum-magnesium alloy structure by using a portable heating device such that large structures can be treated one area at a time.
A method of stabilization of a sensitized aluminum-magnesium alloy structure comprising:
- applying a short elevated temperature exposure to a sensitized portion of the aluminum-magnesium alloy structure in-situ while the sensitized portion remains integral with the aluminum-magnesium alloy structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.