I'm doing a project on aluminum and this is the one thing i can't find. Also will it rust, tarnish or corrode?
Aluminum is actually highly reactive. Under normal conditions, its outer layer quickly forms a coating of aluminum oxide which is extremely hard and well-attached. This prevents any further corrosion or oxidation. Molten aluminum will react explosively with water; this is a well-known danger in the aluminum casting industry. Very finely powdered aluminum is pyrophoric (self-igniting in air) and is used as a component in flash powder and some solid rocket fuels.
Aluminum is not explosive, although in the presence of a suitable oxidizing agent it can burn. It does not rust (that concept applies only to ferrous metals), but can corrode and will tarnish rapidly if a cut surface is exposed to air. The tarnish, aluminum oxide, protects the surface from further oxidation, and a process called anodizing puts a heavy oxide layer on the surface for improved protection. Aluminum is produced by electrolysis from aluminum oxide, which is dissolved in molten aluminum fluoride; a typical electrolytic pot uses a current of 5 volts at 105,000 amperes and will produce a ton of aluminum per day.
