In 1940, the RAF shot down a German bomber plane over Kent. The plane crashed into the sea and was quickly covered by a layer of silt – protecting it from severe corrosion. 73 years passed before the plane was recovered from 15 m of water and the craft is in surprisingly good condition: the tires were still inflated and live ammunition was discovered inside.
A mixture of aluminium alloys and steel make up the plane, which is covered in mud, salt and sea-life. How are the RAF going about cleaning the metal up while preventing any further corrosion from taking place? Since this is the last remaining Dornier 17, it is crucial that whatever decisions are taken don't destroy a piece of history: in comes electrochemistry and the study of redox reactions beyond the classroom.
This is a talk suitable for post-16 students.
A mixture of aluminium alloys and steel make up the plane, which is covered in mud, salt and sea-life. How are the RAF going about cleaning the metal up while preventing any further corrosion from taking place? Since this is the last remaining Dornier 17, it is crucial that whatever decisions are taken don't destroy a piece of history: in comes electrochemistry and the study of redox reactions beyond the classroom.
This is a talk suitable for post-16 students.
