Letter 13081

Copper aluminum problem 

I have a copper heatsink that is cooled with distilled water and Wetter Water which runs through an aluminum radiator. I am worried that the copper will destroy the aluminum. I was wondering if my troubles would disappear if I plated the aluminum with copper??? Does anyone know how to do this ???

Sal Fortuna
- Malabar, Florida

Try pure ethylene glycol instead of water and you will totally avoid corrosion problems.

John Tuohy
- Ireland

Sal, your problems might disappear for a time by copper plating the aluminum (there are many companies that can do that I don't know if around your area but in the US yes). If you have internal passages you will need electroless copper. The problem is if the copper gets perforated your problem will become an immediate and sure failure.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico

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