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5 Most Common Uses Of Aluminum

uses of aluminum

What is Aluminum?

Aluminum was discovered after scientists discovered how to use electricity to break down chemical compounds into their constituent elements. Christian Oersted, a Danish physicist, used electrolysis to obtain aluminum in the nineteenth century. Today, the process of producing aluminum is also known as electrolysis or electrolytic reduction.

Aluminum (Al) is a silvery-gray metal that is soft. It has a gleaming appearance. Aluminum is light in comparison to other metals. It is malleable, which means that it can be deformed under pressure. Aluminum’s properties have led to its use in aircraft manufacturing.

Aluminum is resistant to corrosion because it can oxidize into aluminum oxide and form a protective layer on its surface. It is also a good conductor of heat and electricity. Aluminum has a high degree of flexibility, which means it can be easily molten and drawn into wire-like structures. Even when very thin, aluminum foils are impermeable.

Uses Of Aluminum

Building & Construction:

Aluminum was virtually unusable in civil engineering around the turn of the century due to its high cost and inability to be manufactured in sufficient quantities. Everything changed in the 1920s when the electrolysis technique reduced the cost of aluminum by 80%. The metal was widely used to finish roofs and domes, as well as drains and wall panels, and for decorative purposes. Because of Aluminum’s inherent properties of lightness and corrosion resistance, Aluminum is widely used in construction. Aluminum is used in external facades, roofs, walls, windows and doors, staircases, railings, and shelves, among other things.

Day-to-Day Life:

If you’re familiar with ceramics, you’ve probably already come into contact with aluminum in your own home. Aluminum is commonly used in the manufacture of utensils such as spoons, forks, and knives. The properties of aluminum, such as tensile strength, silvery-white metal, etc., are used for making utensils. Aluminum utensils are typically strong and long-lasting. Aluminum is commonly used in short-order cooks in fast food restaurants because it heats and cools quickly. Furthermore, it is much less expensive than other materials.

Machinery and equipment:

Aluminum is one of the most desirable base metals in machinery construction due to its lightness, durability, corrosion resistance, and thermal impact.

Transportation:

Aluminum is used to make everything from bicycles to spaceships. This metal enables people to travel at breakneck speeds, cross oceans, fly through the sky, and even leave Earth. Transport also consumes the most aluminum, accounting for 27% of total consumption. Aluminum in vehicles improves safety because it is both light and strong. Aluminum eliminates joints by allowing hollow extrusions (instead of a typical two-shell sheet design), which improves overall rigidity and safety. Because of its lower center of gravity and lower mass, aluminum improves road holding, absorbs energy during a crash, and shortens braking distances.

Aerospace:

Aluminum is an excellent material for aircraft construction because it is both lightweight and strong. Aluminum is roughly one-third the weight of steel, allowing an aircraft to carry more weight while remaining fuel efficient. Furthermore, the high corrosion resistance of aluminum ensures the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Aluminum alloys have a high corrosion resistance, which is in addition to their strength and lightweight. This is a significant factor in an aircraft’s durability. Airplanes are constantly exposed to the elements, including freezing temperatures at high altitudes and exposure to all types of precipitation, including snow and rainstorms. Aluminum is well-known for its resistance to corrosion in the environment. Furthermore, aluminum is a highly formable metal. This is a boon for the aircraft industry, which requires high precision to ensure maximum aerodynamics, not to mention all of the small parts found on aircraft.

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