Field Testing of Aluminum Bumper Alloys-Two-Year Report 780142

A comprehensive long-term test on bare, anodized, plated, and organic-coated aluminum bumper stock is underway at atmospheric test sites at Pompano Beach, Florida; Phoenix, Arizona; Richmond, Virginia; and Chicago, Illinois. Aluminum alloys exposed originally in 1975 included 7016, 7046, X7029, and two experimental compositions. New exposures in 1977 included alloys 7129, 7021, 6009 and 6010. Specimens are scheduled for removal after 1-, 2-, and 4-years - 2-year panels were retrieved and evaluated in 1977 from Florida and Phoenix. One-year results from Richmond and Chicago will be reported here. Fullsize aluminum bumpers (with and without rub strips) having organic coatings, anodized coatings, and chrome-plated finishes were exposed also, along with chrome-plated steel.