Modern materials - aluminium (AL)

Modern materials - aluminium (AL)

Compared to gold, which has been in use for 9,000 years, aluminium, a slightly bluish white metal, is really only the baby of metals. Aluminium was introduced and named in the early 18th century. Unlike other metallic elements, aluminium does not exist in nature as a direct metal element, but is extracted from bauxite ore containing 50% alumina (also known as bauxite).

In this form, aluminium is also one of the most abundant metallic elements on our planet.

When aluminium first appeared as a metal, it was not immediately used in people's lives. Later on, a number of new products were developed for its unique functions and properties and the market for this high-tech material became increasingly wide.

Although aluminium has a relatively short history of use, it is now produced in far greater quantities than all other non-ferrous metals combined.

Material properties: flexible and mouldable, easy to alloy, high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, easily conducts electricity and heat, recyclable.

Typical uses: skeletons for vehicles, aircraft components, kitchen appliances, packaging and furniture. Aluminium is also often used to reinforce large structures such as the statue of Eros in London's Piccadilly Circus and the top of the Chrysler car building in New York.