Aluminium is a silvery white metal with a melting point of 660° C (1,220° F) and a density of 2.7 grams per cubic centimetre. Also it is the most abundant metallic element which constitutes 8.1 per cent of the Earth’s crust. In nature it occurs chemically combined with oxygen and other elements. In the pure state it is soft and ductile, but it can be alloyed with many other elements to increase strength and provide a number of useful properties. Alloys of aluminium are light, strong, and formable by almost all known metalworking processes. They can be cast, joined by many techniques, and machined easily, and they accept a wide variety of finishes.
In addition to its low density, many of the applications of aluminium and its alloys are based on its high electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to corrosion. It owes its corrosion resistance to a continuous film of aluminium oxide that grows rapidly on a nascent aluminium surface exposed to air.
Although there are several methods of producing aluminium, only one is used commercially. The Deville process which involves direct reaction of metallic sodium with aluminium chloride was the basis of aluminium production in the late 19th century, but it has been abandoned in favour of the more economical electrolytic process. A carbothermic approach, the classical method for reducing (removing oxygen from) metallic oxides has been for years the subject of intense research. This involves heating the oxide together with carbon to produce carbon monoxide and aluminium. The great attraction of carbothermic smelting is the possibility of bypassing alumina refining and of starting with lower-grade ores than bauxite and lower-grade carbon than petroleum coke. Despite many years of intensive research, however, no economic competitor has been found for the Bayer-Hall-Heroultapproach.
Aluminium can be joined by welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, riveting, stitching, or stapling and by means of a number of mechanical assemblies such as nuts and bolts, screws, and nails. It can be given a wide variety of mechanical finishes by grinding, polishing, buffing, abrasive blasting, and burnishing. And aluminium products are well known for its various features like rust resistant, very low density, durability and also long working life. There are many aluminium products are available for industries as well as for domestic purposes like aluminium sheets, aluminium fibre, aluminium wire, aluminium windows, aluminium doors, aluminium railing etc. and all these aluminium products are easily available and at very cost effective prices also.
In addition to its low density, many of the applications of aluminium and its alloys are based on its high electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and resistance to corrosion. It owes its corrosion resistance to a continuous film of aluminium oxide that grows rapidly on a nascent aluminium surface exposed to air.
Although there are several methods of producing aluminium, only one is used commercially. The Deville process which involves direct reaction of metallic sodium with aluminium chloride was the basis of aluminium production in the late 19th century, but it has been abandoned in favour of the more economical electrolytic process. A carbothermic approach, the classical method for reducing (removing oxygen from) metallic oxides has been for years the subject of intense research. This involves heating the oxide together with carbon to produce carbon monoxide and aluminium. The great attraction of carbothermic smelting is the possibility of bypassing alumina refining and of starting with lower-grade ores than bauxite and lower-grade carbon than petroleum coke. Despite many years of intensive research, however, no economic competitor has been found for the Bayer-Hall-Heroultapproach.
Aluminium can be joined by welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, riveting, stitching, or stapling and by means of a number of mechanical assemblies such as nuts and bolts, screws, and nails. It can be given a wide variety of mechanical finishes by grinding, polishing, buffing, abrasive blasting, and burnishing. And aluminium products are well known for its various features like rust resistant, very low density, durability and also long working life. There are many aluminium products are available for industries as well as for domestic purposes like aluminium sheets, aluminium fibre, aluminium wire, aluminium windows, aluminium doors, aluminium railing etc. and all these aluminium products are easily available and at very cost effective prices also.
