5059-H116 Aluminum vs. 5059-H321 Aluminum
Last Updated :
5059 aluminum alloy is an aluminum-magnesium alloy with good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, widely used in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and other fields that require corrosion-resistant materials. 5059-H116 and 5059-H321 are two different conditions of 5059 aluminum alloy, each with different processing techniques and performance characteristics.
Comparison Table of 5059-H116 Aluminum Alloy and 5059-H321 Aluminum Alloy
Characteristics | 5059-H116 Aluminum Alloy | 5059-H321 Aluminum Alloy |
Condition | H116 | H321 |
Processing Method | Heat treatment and cold working to enhance corrosion resistance | Strain hardening and stabilization treatment |
Strength | Higher, but lower than H321 | Strength is a quarter of the strength between annealed (O) and fully hardened (H38) conditions |
Fatigue Strength | Lower | Higher |
Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, suitable for marine environments | Good, with certain corrosion resistance |
Application Areas | Shipbuilding, marine engineering, and other corrosion-resistant applications | Applications requiring high strength and fatigue resistance |
5059-H116 Aluminum vs. 5059-H321 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
Property | 5059-H116 Aluminum | 5059-H321 Aluminum |
Elastic (Young's, Tensile) Modulus, GPa | 69 | 69 |
Elongation at Break, % | 11 | 11 |
Fatigue Strength, MPa | 210 | 240 |
Poisson's Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
Shear Modulus, GPa | 26 | 26 |
Shear Strength, MPa | 250 | 250 |
Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS), MPa | 410 | 410 |
Tensile Strength: Yield (Proof), MPa | 300 | 300 |
5059-H116 Aluminum
- Status: H116 is a condition of 5059 aluminum alloy achieved through specific treatments designed to enhance its resistance to intergranular corrosion and exfoliation corrosion.
- Treatment Process: To achieve the H116 condition, 5059 aluminum alloy undergoes specific heat treatment and cold processing to induce a certain degree of intergranular corrosion and exfoliation corrosion. This treatment gives the aluminum alloy good corrosion resistance in certain environments.
- Performance: 5059-H116 aluminum alloy excels in corrosion resistance, making it suitable for marine environments and other applications requiring resistance to corrosion. While it has relatively high strength, its fatigue strength and other mechanical properties may be slightly inferior compared to the H321 condition.
5059-H321 Aluminum
- Status: H321 is a condition of 5059 aluminum alloy achieved after strain hardening and stabilization treatment, offering specific mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
- Treatment Process: To achieve the H321 condition, 5059 aluminum alloy is first strain-hardened and then stabilized. This process results in the aluminum alloy having a strength level between annealed (O) and full-hard (H38) conditions, while also improving its resistance to intergranular corrosion and exfoliation corrosion.
- Performance: 5059-H321 aluminum alloy has higher fatigue strength than 5059-H116, which means it performs better under cyclic or impact loads. This material is suitable for applications that require high strength and fatigue resistance.
5059 H116 Aluminum vs. 5059-H321 Aluminum Corrosion Resistance
Both states of 5059 aluminum alloy offer excellent corrosion resistance, but 5059-H116 may perform better in certain environments.
5059 aluminum alloy demonstrates good corrosion resistance in different conditions, particularly suitable for marine environments and other highly corrosive environments. Below is a comparison of corrosion resistance between 5059-H116 and 5059-H321 conditions:
5059-H116 Aluminum Corrosion Resistance
5059-H116 is a hardened condition, achieved through a specific heat treatment process (H116) that enhances both its strength and corrosion resistance. This condition of 5059 aluminum alloy is typically used in harsh marine environments or other extreme conditions, such as in ships and offshore platforms.
Corrosion Resistance Features
- Excellent seawater corrosion resistance: 5059-H116 aluminum alloy shows excellent resistance to seawater corrosion, particularly in corrosive media such as saltwater and chlorides.
- Good pitting resistance: 5059-H116 performs well in pitting resistance, effectively resisting environments with corrosive agents like seawater.
- Adapts to high-temperature and high-humidity environments: In extreme environments (such as humid or wet conditions), 5059-H116, due to its hardness and surface density, can resist external corrosion better than other aluminum alloys.
5059-H321 Aluminum Corrosion Resistance
5059-H321 aluminum alloy is also used in marine applications, having undergone a different heat treatment (H321). This condition is mainly used in marine, shipping, and transportation industries, where its corrosion resistance is also strong. However, compared to 5059-H116, its main advantages lie in other aspects such as weldability and machinability.
Corrosion Resistance Features
- Good seawater corrosion resistance: 5059-H321 aluminum alloy generally offers good corrosion resistance, but in extreme high-salinity or high-temperature environments, 5059-H116 may perform better.
- Resistance to stress corrosion cracking: 5059-H321 aluminum alloy has better resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC), which makes it advantageous in certain specialized engineering applications.
- Protective layer formation: 5059-H321 aluminum alloy can naturally form a protective film when exposed to seawater or saline air, preventing further corrosion.
5059-H116 aluminum alloy typically offers superior corrosion resistance in more severe corrosive environments (such as high-salinity seawater), particularly in resisting pitting, crevice corrosion, and other forms of corrosion.
While 5059-H321 aluminum alloy also has excellent corrosion resistance, its advantages are more evident in stress corrosion cracking resistance and weldability. It is suitable for environments requiring high mechanical performance.
If corrosion resistance is the primary consideration, 5059-H116 may be the better choice. However, if better resistance to stress corrosion cracking or enhanced weldability is required, 5059-H321 is also a good option.
5059-H116 Aluminum vs. 5059-H321 Aluminum Applications
5059-H116 is suitable for marine environments and other applications that require corrosion resistance, while 5059-H321 is more suitable for applications requiring high strength and good fatigue performance.
The applications of 5059 aluminum alloy in H116 and H321 states differ, mainly in terms of corrosion resistance, strength, fatigue performance, and other properties. Depending on these characteristics, they play their respective advantages in different environments and application scenarios.
Applications of 5059-H116 Aluminum Alloy
5059-H116 aluminum alloy is mainly known for its outstanding corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments and other harsh conditions. After heat treatment, the H116 state of the alloy has high strength and corrosion resistance, making it especially suitable for applications that require resistance to seawater corrosion, salt spray, and extreme environments.
Applications:
- Marine Environments: 5059-H116 aluminum alloy is widely used in marine applications, such as ship structures, offshore platforms, subsea pipelines, and floating platforms. These applications often face highly corrosive environments, and the corrosion resistance of 5059-H116 makes it an ideal material.
- Chemical Facilities: In facilities used for handling or storing chemicals, 5059-H116 aluminum alloy can withstand the long-term effects of corrosive liquids and gases, especially in hydrochloric acid, chlorides, and other corrosive substances.
- High Corrosion Resistance Structures: In addition to marine applications, 5059-H116 is also widely used in structures requiring high corrosion resistance, such as hulls, offshore wind turbine structures, and seawater desalination facilities.
Advantages:
- Excellent Seawater Corrosion Resistance: The H116 state can effectively resist seawater, chlorides, and other corrosive agents, making it suitable for marine and highly corrosive environments.
- Strong Pitting Resistance: 5059-H116 in this state is resistant to pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, and other forms of corrosion caused by corrosive agents.
- High Durability: Due to its strong corrosion resistance, 5059-H116 has a long service life when exposed to harsh environments.
Applications of 5059-H321 Aluminum Alloy
5059-H321 aluminum alloy excels in high strength and good fatigue performance. After undergoing specific heat treatment, this state enhances the alloy's strength and ductility while maintaining its corrosion resistance. Therefore, 5059-H321 is suitable for applications requiring high strength, fatigue performance, and resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
Applications:
- Aerospace and Space Structures: 5059-H321 aluminum alloy is commonly used in manufacturing structural components of airplanes, spacecraft, and other high-speed transportation vehicles. Its high strength and good fatigue performance allow it to withstand high pressures, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for aircraft fuselage frames, wing structures, engine parts, etc.
- High Load Transportation: In the automotive industry and high-speed trains, 5059-H321 aluminum alloy is widely used in vehicle body structures, frames, and other high-strength components due to its excellent fatigue strength.
- Bridges and Heavy Structures: In bridge construction and heavy machinery structures, 5059-H321 aluminum alloy is used for its excellent mechanical properties and fatigue resistance, especially in components that need to withstand dynamic loads for extended periods.
Advantages:
- High Strength and Good Fatigue Performance: 5059-H321 is suitable for applications that require load-bearing and fatigue strength, and can withstand high-strength loads and frequent dynamic changes.
- Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance: Compared to the H116 state, 5059-H321 has a higher resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC), making it suitable for high-strength and high-pressure environments with corrosion issues.
- Good Weldability: 5059-H321 aluminum alloy also has good weldability, making it highly suitable for high-strength structural components that require complex welding processes.
5059-H116 is more suitable for marine and chemical environments, particularly in corrosive environments where corrosion resistance is paramount, and the strength requirements are relatively lower. It is an ideal choice for ships, offshore platforms, and similar facilities.
5059-H321, on the other hand, is more suitable for applications that require high strength, fatigue performance, and resistance to stress corrosion cracking. It is commonly found in aerospace, high-load transportation, bridge structures, and other fields that require components to withstand complex loads and environments.
Both states of 5059 aluminum alloy have their own advantages, and the choice between them depends on the specific application requirements.
Further reading: 5059 5086 Marine Grade Aluminum Bars 5059 Marine Grade Aluminum Plate Sheet 5059 H116 Aluminum 5059 H111 Aluminum 5059 H321 Aluminum
Tags: Marine Aluminum 5059