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Aluminium

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potterfan3 | 19:54 Fri 01st Feb 2008 | Science
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How does the structure of Aluminium make it a) impermable and b) odourless
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The highly stable oxide layer that forms on aluminium is of similar structure to the parent metal and clings tightly, sealing of the underlying metal.

A similar process makes stainless steel non-corrodable.

Metals that corrode have an oxide that is a different size to the parent metal causing it to crack off and expose more metal.
Aluminium is odourless because it has zero vapour pressure and it and its oxide are non-volatile.
Aluminium is often anodized, a process which produces a relatively thick, hard coating of aluminium oxide on the surface. This may be dyed giving a coloured effect.
On the subject of smelly metals, look up Osmium.

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