Which material is anodizing typically applied to for improved corrosion resistance and wear properties?

• A. Aluminum.
• B. Titanium.
• C. Steel.
• D. Copper.

Answer: (A)

Anodizing is a controlled electrochemical process that thickens and hardens the natural oxide film on a metal surface. Aluminum is the material most commonly anodized because it readily forms a protective aluminum oxide layer. By building that layer to greater thickness, the surface becomes much more resistant to corrosion and wear. The resulting oxide is hard and durable, and it can be sealed to further boost protection or even accept lubricants to reduce wear. While other metals like titanium can be anodized for certain effects, the standard application geared toward improving corrosion resistance and wear properties is aluminum. Steel and copper aren’t typically anodized for these benefits, as they don’t respond to anodizing in the same effective, practical way.