Aluminium

Aluminium (or aluminum in American English) is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a silvery-white, soft, non-magnetic, and ductile metal in the boron group. By mass, aluminium makes up about 8% of the Earth's crust, where it is the third most abundant element (after oxygen and silicon) and also the most abundant metal.

Properties

Aluminium is remarkable for its low density and its ability to resist corrosion through the phenomenon of passivation. Aluminium and its alloys are vital to the aerospace industry and are important in transportation and building industries, such as building facades and window frames. The oxides and sulfates are the most useful compounds of aluminium.

Production

Aluminium is produced from bauxite, an ore that contains a high percentage of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃). The Bayer process is the principal industrial means of refining bauxite to produce alumina (aluminium oxide), and the Hall–Héroult process is the major industrial process for smelting aluminium.

Applications

Aluminium is used in a wide range of products, from soda cans to aircraft parts. Its applications include:

• Transportation: Due to its strength and light weight, aluminium is used in the manufacturing of aircraft, automobiles, and bicycles.
• Construction: Aluminium is used in building facades, window frames, and roofing.
• Packaging: Aluminium foil and cans are widely used for packaging food and beverages.
• Electrical: Aluminium is used in electrical transmission lines due to its conductivity and low density.
• Consumer goods: Aluminium is used in a variety of consumer products, including kitchen utensils, furniture, and electronics.

Health and Safety

Aluminium is generally considered to be non-toxic, but exposure to high levels of aluminium can be harmful. It is important to manage exposure, especially in occupational settings. Aluminium compounds are used in antacids and antiperspirants, and there is ongoing research into the potential health effects of aluminium exposure.

Environmental Impact

The production of aluminium is energy-intensive, and the mining of bauxite can have significant environmental impacts. Recycling aluminium is highly beneficial as it requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium from ore.

Also see

• Bauxite
• Aluminium oxide
• Aluminium recycling
• Hall–Héroult process
• Bayer process