Which type of corrosion is most commonly found in aluminum?

Pitting corrosion is a localized form of corrosion that leads to the creation of small pits or holes in the material, and it is particularly notable in aluminum. This type of corrosion occurs when aluminum is exposed to environments that can promote localized attacks, especially in the presence of chloride ions. The presence of these ions disrupts the protective oxide layer that naturally forms on aluminum surfaces, leading to rapid and localized corrosion down to the aluminum substrate. This is why pitting corrosion is commonly observed in aluminum, especially in marine environments where salt is prevalent.

In contrast, while galvanic corrosion can occur in aluminum when it is coupled with more noble metals in an electrolyte, it is not as characteristic or prevalent as pitting. Creep corrosion is not a recognized term in the context of aluminum corrosion; the term typically relates to material deformation under stress rather than a specific type of corrosion. Uniform corrosion refers to an even loss of material across a surface and is generally less problematic for aluminum compared to the more dangerous pitting corrosion that can lead to structural failure. Thus, pitting corrosion stands out as the most common and concerning type for aluminum materials, particularly in aggressive environments.