Anodising aluminium

A photograph of a roll of aluminium foil

Source: © Shutterstock

Explore an application of electrolysis in this demonstration by anodising aluminium to improve corrosion resistance. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

This experiment illustrates an interesting use for electrolysis. Students observe how anodising aluminium makes the oxide layer on its surface thicker, improving the metal’s resistance to corrosion. In the process, students learn how the thickened oxide surface coating can also be coloured by using dyes.

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