Alcad is a metal consisting of

• A. Pure aluminum surface layers on an aluminum alloy core
• B. Aluminum alloy surface layers on pure aluminum core
• C. Pure aluminum core with iron surface layers
• D. Titanium surface on aluminum core

Answer: (A)

Alcad is a clad aluminum product where the outer faces are pure aluminum and the interior core is an aluminum alloy. The pure outer layers resist corrosion more effectively and form a stable oxide film that protects the metal in service, while the alloy core provides the necessary strength and stiffness. This combination gives you corrosion resistance from the outside and structural performance from the core. If the surface is damaged, the protective pure aluminum layer still offers a barrier and maintains corrosion protection, since aluminum’s oxide is self-repairing. Other configurations would either weaken corrosion protection, reduce strength, or introduce materials that don’t bond or behave well with aluminum in service.