This article endeavors to familiarize the reader with a selection of different ionization designs and instrument components to provide knowledge for sorting the various analytical strategies in the field of solid analysis by mass spectrometry (MS). It begins with a description of the general principles of MS. This is followed by sections providing a basic understanding of instrumentation and discussing the operating requirements as well as practical considerations related to solid sample analysis by MS. Instrumentation discussed include the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer and the time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Inductively coupled plasma and thermal ionization MS provide atomic information, and direct analysis in real-time and matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization MS are used to analyze molecular compositions. The article describes various factors pertinent to ionization methods, namely glow discharge mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry. It concludes with a section on various examples of applications and interpretation of MS for various materials.

This article focuses on the principles and applications of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the analysis of elemental and chemical composition. The discussion covers the nomenclature, instruments, and specimen preparation process of XPS. Some of the factors pertinent to the calibration of materials for accurate measurements using XPS are provided, along with some aspects of the accuracy in quantitative analysis by XPS. In addition, the article presents examples of how XPS data can be used to solve problems with surface interactions.

Aluminum and its alloys are highly corrosion resistant, protected by a self-healing oxide film that effectively passivates the underlying surface. This article examines the various processes by which the protective layer can be breached and the types of corrosion that can occur. It describes pitting, galvanic, and atmospheric corrosion as well as stress-corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue, and erosion corrosion. It also covers intergranular, exfoliation, filiform, deposition, and crevice corrosion and special cases of corrosion in soils, seawater, and automotive coolant systems. The article provides an extensive amount of data as well as information on coatings, claddings, and cathodic protection methods; the effects of composition, microstructure, and surface treatments; and the compatibility of aluminum with food and various household and industrial chemicals.

This article contains tables that provide values for compositions and physical and mechanical properties of 1xxx series aluminum alloys. Emphasis is placed on highly refined aluminum (1199) and high-purity aluminum (1060). Examples of common 1xxx series aluminum alloys specified in products standards are also presented. A figure illustrates the effect of purity on strength and hardness of unalloyed aluminum.

This datasheet provides information on key alloy metallurgy, fabrication characteristics, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, and applications of Al-Cu-Si general-purpose casting alloy 208.0 (aluminum alloy 2xxx).

Alloy 7040 is a variation of 7050, where Zr additions prevent recrystallization of hot-worked products during solution heat treatment without the quench sensitivity from additions of Cr. This datasheet provides information on composition limits and fabrication characteristics of aluminum alloys 7040 and 7140 and processing effects on mechanical properties of aluminum alloy 7040-T7651 high-strength plate.

This datasheet provides information on composition limits, mill product specifications, fabrication characteristics, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, and applications of high-strength Al-Mg-Mn-Cr alloy 5456.

Alloys 2297 and 2397 were developed for thick plate integral structures. This datasheet provides information on composition limits of these 2xxx series alloys and processing effects on mechanical properties of alloy 2297-T87 plate. A figure provides a performance comparison of 2297-T87 and 2124-T851 plates.

The high-strength plate alloy 2324 is a modification of 2024 alloy composition and process conditions to increase strength in both plate and extrusions without a loss in fracture toughness and other characteristics. This datasheet provides information on key alloy metallurgy, as well as the effects of processing on mechanical properties of this 2xxx series alloy. A comparison of fracture toughness of 2324-T39 to 2024-T351 is presented.

Many characteristics of extrusion alloy 6063 are similar to those of 6061 with slightly better formability and general corrosion resistance. This datasheet provides information on composition limits, fabrication characteristics, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, mill product specifications, and applications of this 6xxx series alloy. The characteristics of alloy 6063 are compared with related alloys and tempers.

Wrought 4xxx alloys (extrusions and forgings) exhibit high surface hardness, wear resistance, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. This article provides a summary of brazing filler metals used to join brazeable aluminum-base metals. It contains tables that list the nominal composition and filler-metal alloys of 4xxx series used in structural forms.

This datasheet provides information on composition limits, fabrication characteristics, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, and applications of the high-strength extrusion aluminum alloy 6069.

This datasheet provides information on composition limits, processing effects on mechanical properties, and applications of alloy 2524. A comparison of strength minimums and typical damage tolerance properties for Alclad 2524-T3 with Alclad 2024-T3 plate is also provided.

This datasheet provides information on composition limits, fabrication characteristics, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, product specifications, and applications of medium-strength structural aluminum alloy 6082. The fabrication characteristics of alloy 6082 are compared with related alloys and tempers.

This datasheet provides information on composition limits, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, and fabrication characteristics of electrical bus conductor aluminum alloys 6101 and 6201 along with standard temper designations. Machining and forming characteristics of alloy 6101 are compared with related alloys and tempers.

Alloys 6005 and 6105 were developed in the 1960s to be used in place of alloy 6061 in many applications. This datasheet provides information on chemical composition limits, fabrication characteristics, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, and applications of medium-strength extrusion alloys 6005, 6005A, and 6105.

This datasheet provides information on composition limits, ASTM product specifications, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, and applications of cladding fin stock 7072.

Alloy 2040 is a forging alloy with a significant improvement in elevated temperature properties over alloys 2014 and 2219. This datasheet provides information on composition limits of 2040 and provides a comparison of design mechanical properties of 2040 and 2014.

This datasheet provides information on composition limits, fabrication characteristics, processing effects on physical and tensile properties, and applications of aluminum forging alloy 6151. Tensile property limits for aluminum alloy 6151 is also provided.

Alloy 2624 was developed by Alcoa as a plate product to replace alloy 2024 and 2324 in applications requiring moderate or high strength and the highest levels of damage tolerance. This datasheet provides information on composition limits, processing effects on physical and mechanical properties, and applications of this alloy. Figures provide comparisons of plane stress R-curves of 2624 with 2024-T351 and 2324-T39 and fatigue crack growth resistance of 2624 with 2024-T351 and 2324-T39.