The way I understand it, aluminum oxides in free air virtually immediately. Therefore any glue applied to aluminum in free air will have an oxide coating between the glue and the aluminum no matter how diligently the surface is scrubbed and wiped with whatever chemical. Eventually this oxide line because it is not molecularly bonded to the aluminum and due to it's ability to absorb moisture will fail, this failure will occur more rapidly in hot humid environments. Isn't it true that aluminum to be glued must be prepared in an atmosphere or bath with a surface coating that has a molecular bond with the aluminum? Or is there some technique or convention that is accepted and if so how is it justified? I ask because ("it seems to me") that there is bonding of aluminum going on without proper preparation of the surfaces. Although properly coating the aluminum can add time and expense to a project, as I currently understand the process’s ignoring this step will have severe consequences. Thank you, Blane.
