Metals and alloys are commonly used in different outdoor applications due to beneficialcharacteristics such as high mechanical strength and durability, corrosion resistance and oftenappealing aesthetic appearances. Depending on prevailing environmental and pollutant conditions,their service life in both modern and ancient building architecture typically exceeds decades,centuries or even longer. The use of metals and alloys for such surfaces further seldom requireany maintenance and they are largely recyclable, aspects of importance for sustainable buildingmaterials. Nevertheless, their use in these and other applications has during the last three decadesbeen highly questioned in some parts of the world as a result of general attempts to reduce theenvironmental impact of cities and an increasing concern of potential adverse effects that may beinduced by the diffuse dispersion of metals from such surfaces and other sources.In order to provide scientifically-based knowledge on these aspects, the authors have during thelast 25 years with colleagues undertaken both short- (days) and long-term (up to 17 years) fieldexposures at different exposure conditions, as well as performed parallel systematic laboratoryinvestigations on different commonly used construction metals and alloys in outdoor architecturewith the aim to mechanistically assess and quantify relations between atmospheric corrosion andmetal dispersion from corroded surfaces and to assess levels and environmental fate of dispersedmetals.Key results will be elucidated with findings of relevance for bare and surface treated/coatedarchitectural materials of Cu metal, CuZn- and CuSn-based alloys, Zn sheet, ZnAl-alloys,galvanized steel, and stainless steel. The results show that these materials in many outdoorarchitectural conditions can be designated as sustainable material choices.
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