ALUMINIUM

Aluminium

Aluminium is a versatile metal renowned for its unique properties. It is a soft, non-magnetic, and ductile metal that offers a range of advantages, including low density and resistance to corrosion.

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Key Properties of Aluminium
Aluminium is often alloyed for various applications. Even when the Aluminium content exceeds 99% in an alloy, it is typically utilised as a pure metal when corrosion resistance and workability outweigh the need for strength or hardness.

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Apart from its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, Aluminium exhibits excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. It also serves as a reflector of light and heat, is non-toxic, and boasts high recyclability.

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Aluminium's recyclability is so effective, there is actually no difference in quality between virgin and recycled Aluminium. However, the energy required to remelt and recycle Aluminium is only around 5% of that needed to produce virgin material. As a result, approximately 60% of Aluminium alloy is recycled at the end of its lifecycle.

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Uses
The versatility of Aluminium makes it the most widely used non ferrous metal. Despite its reactivity with Oxygen, which suggests limited usability, Aluminium behaves differently from Iron when it oxidises. Instead of flaking away like Iron Oxide (rust), the resulting Aluminium Oxide forms a protective barrier, shielding the metal from further decay.

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Aluminium finds application in various fields, ranging from everyday items that surround us to specialised uses. It is commonly found in transportation vehicles (cars, aircraft, marine vessels, bicycles), packaging materials (foil, cans), construction components (windows, doors), and household items (cooking utensils, white goods, electronic casings). Additionally, it is utilised in more specialized applications such as transmission lines, electronic wiring, and heat sinks.