Design of lightweight aluminum alloy building materials for corrosion and wear resistance

Abstract

The use of lightweight, functional and eco-friendly building materials can reduce energy consumption and pollution levels. Aluminum (Al) alloys with low density, high specific strength, excellent functional properties and 100% recyclability make excellent building materials. Lightweight structures are crucial for safety, particularly for mitigating losses during natural disasters. Lightweight structures can considerably reduce losses, particularly casualties. Few studies have addressed building with aluminum alloys, but Taiwan’s innovative aluminum technologies are relevant for scholarly research regarding construction. The design of aluminum alloys in the construction field, particularly with regard to the wear resistance and corrosion characteristics of building materials in island countries, is vital to the upgrading and promotion of the construction industry. In this study, eco-friendly building materials (4389, 5089 and 6169) were compared with commercial materials (4032, 5052 and 6061). The results show that new types 4389, 5089 and 6169 have better material properties, microstructures, tensile mechanical properties and salt-spray test results than the commercial 4032, 5052 and 6061 materials, particularly corrosion resistance. It is worth noting that the new type 6169 has high strength extrusion. Materials, which can be used as a reference for the application of seashore industry, recreation parks or building structural support building materials.