Aluminium

Aluminium (aluminum) is a lightweight, silvery-white metal in the boron group with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is the most abundant metal in Earth’s crust and forms a thin, protective oxide layer that resists corrosion.

Properties

• Phase: Solid
• Density: 2.7 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 933.47 K
• Boiling Point: 2743 K
• Lightweight with a high strength-to-weight ratio when alloyed
• Good thermal and electrical conductivity
• Non-magnetic and highly malleable

Uses

• Aircraft, vehicles, and lightweight structural alloys
• Packaging (cans, foil) and food storage
• Electrical transmission lines and bus bars
• Construction materials (frames, panels, roofing)
• Heat sinks and thermal management components

Extraction Process

Aluminium is produced primarily from bauxite. The Bayer process refines bauxite into alumina (aluminum oxide), which is then reduced to metal using the Hall-Héroult electrolytic process in molten cryolite. The resulting aluminum is cast into ingots or further alloyed depending on the application.