Aluminised materials are essential in environments involving extreme heat or chemicals:
: The most common method, where the substrate (like a steel sheet) is submerged in a bath of molten aluminum. Upon cooling, a thick, robust layer forms that is often used for large structural components. aluminise
: "Aluminised" fabric is used in fire proximity suits and gloves to reflect radiant heat away from the wearer. : The aluminum layer forms a stable oxide
: The aluminum layer forms a stable oxide skin (alumina) that acts as a barrier against moisture and oxygen. : It provides many of the protective benefits
: The metal part is "packed" into a mixture of aluminum powder, an activator, and an inert filler, then heated in a furnace. This causes the aluminum to diffuse into the surface, creating a protective aluminide layer .
: It provides many of the protective benefits of stainless steel but is generally lighter and more affordable for high-heat applications.