Chlorides chlorinated solvents, aluminum corrosion

Many chlorinated hydrocarbons react readily with aluminum in the so-caHed bleeding reaction. A red aluminum chloride—chlorinated hydrocarbon complex is formed. Storage of uninhibited chlorinated solvents in aluminum vessels results in corrosion in a short period of time. Proprietary organic inhibitors permit commercial use of reactive solvents such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane and trichloroethylene for cleaning of aluminum. 

Chlorinated solvents, on the other hand, although nonflammable, are relatively toxic and contribute to pollution. In addition, they may leave chloride residues on the metal surface that can later initiate corrosive attack. They are used largely for vapor degreasing (tri- or perchlorethylene), in which the work is suspended in the vapor of the boiling solvent. Care must be exercised in the vapor degreasing of aluminum, ensuring that adequate chemical inhibitors are added and maintained in the chlorinated solvent in order to avoid catastrophic corrosion (see Section 21.1.4.1) or, in the extreme, to avoid an explosive reaction. 

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