metal from exposure to the atmosphere, thereby precluding further oxidation.

Should this film be scraped away or otherwise damaged, it is self-healing in

that the chromium exposed by the damage will oxidize to form a new film
(136).
Aluminum alloys are also rendered corrosion-resistant by the formation of
a protective oxide film, but in the case of aluminum it is the oxide of the
base metal itself that has this characteristic. A transparent layer of aluminum
oxide forms on the surface of aluminum almost immediately upon exposure
to the atmosphere. The discussion on coatings in Section 3.2 describes how
color can be introduced to this oxide film by the anodizing process, which
can also be used to develop a thicker protective layer than one that would
occur naturally.
Corrosion-prone materials are particularly problematic when used in applications
where it is difficult or impossible to maintain their protective coating.
The contacting faces of a bolted connection or the bars embedded in
reinforced concrete are examples of steel that, once placed in a structure, are
not accessible for future inspection or maintenance. Inaccessibility, in addition
to preventing repair of the coating, may also prevent detection of coating
failure. Such locations as the seam of a bolted connection or a crack in
concrete tend to be places where moisture or other agents of corrosion collect.
Furthermore, aluminum is often used without any finish coating or painting.
The cost of the initial painting alone may result in steel being more
expensive than aluminum, depending on the quality of coating that is specified.
Coatings also have to be maintained and periodically replaced. In addition
to the direct cost of painting, increasing environmental and worker