The visual investigation of the body and the lid revealed significant quantities of corrosion that was severe enough to cause a substantial hole at the base.
Chemical analysis was conducted to determine compliance to aluminium LM6M.
X-Ray analysis was conducted to determine if there were elements present that could increase corrosion rates.
X-ray analysis of the body revealed significant quantities of chlorine at the interior and exterior surfaces with sodium detected at the interior surface. These elements were probably in the form of chloride salts (sodium chloride). These salts can significantly increase corrosion rates of the aluminium material used.
The X-ray analysis also revealed the presence of magnesium, calcium and potassium. These are common elements that can be found in road salt.
The examination indicated that the base unit had corroded due to exposure to the environment containing water and oxygen, and the corrosion rates were accelerated by the presence of chloride salts (common road salt).
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