Abstract
Localized attack on aluminum alloys (2024 and 6061) in the presence of 0.1 M KCl was investigated using fluorescence microscopy. The study was conducted by high resolution confocal laser scanning microscopy in an insitu fluorescence mode. Fluorescein dye was used to indicate pH changes and surface chemistry over and around the active sites. Localized attack on Al was enhanced by the presence of inclusions and second phase particles of different types. It seems that the fluorescence signal is confined to the surface due to the entrapment of fluorescein in the corrosion products formed on or around the inclusions.