The effect of applied tensile stresses and anodic polarization on the aluminium A91050 passive layer durability in chlorides solution at room temperature has been investigated by means of dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS). Performed researches allowed to determine the electrochemical and mechanical conditions of the examined process. Moreover, the threshold strain value for which the aluminium passive layer cracking process occurred was determined. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.