Aluminum physical and chemical properties and its benefit

Aluminum physical and chemical properties and its benefit

Aluminum is a soft, silvery light metal.

It is very reactive so in the atmosphere, a thin but equally protective oxide layer forms rapidly. For this reason, it is very resistant to corrosion.

By a special treatment, anodizing, i. e. an electrolytic oxidation process, the aluminum surface protected by the oxide layer can even be strengthened and made more resistant to corrosion.

Aluminum reacts strongly with hydrochloric acid and caustic soda. The reaction with sulfuric acid is weaker, while it remains passive in contact with cold nitric acid.

Aluminum physical and chemical properties and its benefit

Aluminum possesses good thermal and electrical conductivity, in each case about two-thirds of the values for pure copper.

Due to its electronic configuration, the element has three valency electrons; its oxidation number is therefore +3.

Melting point: 660 °C (for AL 99,99 acc. to composition / alloying higher resp. lower)
Boiling point: 2500 °C (acc. to composition / alloying higher resp. lower)
Density: 2,70 g/cm³
Relative atomic mass 26,98
Oxidation number: 3
Atomic radius: 143,1 pm
Ionic radius: 57 pm (+3)
Electrical conductivity: 36 m/Ohm·mm²

The Benefits of Aluminum

Aluminum is a light metal, about a third of the density of steel, copper, and brass.
Aluminum has good corrosion resistance to common atmospheric and marine atmospheres. Its corrosion resistance and scratch resistance can be enhanced by anodizing.
Aluminum has high reflectivity and can be used for decorative applications.
Some aluminum alloys can match or even exceed the strength of common construction steel.
Aluminum retains its toughness at very low temperatures, without becoming brittle like carbon steel.
Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and electricity. When measured by equal cross-sectional area, electrical grade aluminum has a conductivity which is approximately 62% of electrical grade annealed copper. However, when compared using equal weight, the conductivity of aluminum is 204% of copper.
Aluminum is readily worked and formed using a wide variety of forming processes including deep-drawing and roll forming.
Aluminum is non-toxic and is commonly used in contact with foodstuffs.
Aluminum can be readily recycled.

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We focus exclusively on producing the smallest, most complex, precision aluminum parts, custom aluminum extrusions, standard aluminum extrusions and floor covering aluminum profiles.

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