5 Fascinating Facts about Aluminium you were Unaware of

5 Fascinating Facts about Aluminium you were Unaware of

Aluminium can be considered as a modern man’s metal. According to historic evidence, copper and iron started being in use by early humans 9000 years ago, whereas aluminium dates back to less than 200 years of usage. The first person to produce aluminium, in 1825, was Hans Christian Ørsted in Copenhagen, Denmark. In fact, it was considered more precious than gold and silver in early days that Napoleon is said to have served dinner in aluminium plates! 

Apart from fulfilling many roles in the domain of basic home needs, aluminium has much more common and useful applications in modern society and its infrastructure requirements. Thus, aluminium companies and aluminium extrusion manufacturers cater to a wide variety of market needs. Let us explore some of the interesting facts about this metal that has made life easier for us in many ways.

  1. Aluminium is the most abundant metal

Aluminium in its pure form as bauxite ore is the third most abundant element found on earth after oxygen and silicon. There is enough aluminium to last us many generations and its availability is much more than iron or any other precious metals. Aluminium comprises 8.09% and iron 5% of the earth’s crust. There is enough aluminium around that can last us for generations.

2. Aluminium is very ductile

Aluminium is ductile and has a low melting point and low density. Mildest form of steel has only 50% ductility of aluminium. Hence it can be used in anything from automobile parts to kitchen utensils with ease. Aluminium alloys are made with elements like copper, zinc, magnesium, silicon or manganese to enhance the properties of the metal. The ductility of Aluminium is intact in both hot and cold conditions and hence the options available for customization are limitless.

3. Aluminium is 100 percent recyclable and infinitely so

Aluminium is infinitely recyclable and is one of the few materials that pay for the cost for its own collection. In fact, 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in circulation and it requires only 5% of the energy needed for the initial production of the metal to recycle it. It retains its physical properties indefinitely too. Discarded aluminium is one of the most valuable items in your recycling bin. Global production of aluminium is around 40 million tonnes a year. Recycling aluminium products brings into circulation a similar amount too. So next time before throwing away your used coke can, do remember that recycling a single aluminium can save enough energy to run your TV for three hours!

4. Aluminium is a lightweight metal

Aluminium weighs only one-third of steel and its density is 2.7 g/cm3. This makes it a very economical metal for industrial use. It is easier and cheaper to handle and to transport. The reduced energy consumption and versatility makes aluminium a favourite choice with aluminium extrusion manufacturers also. Due to its corrosion resistance it is viable to be stored for long periods too.

5. Aluminium is highly heat resistant

Apart from being lightweight, the metal is highly heat-resistant as well. It takes more than 1220 degree Fahrenheit to smelt aluminium from solid to liquid state. The natural oxide coating found on solid aluminium inhibits reaction of the solid aluminium found underneath with atmospheric air, thereby contributing to its high resistance to burning. Its heat resistance property makes aluminium one of the most durable industrial materials. All these unique features make aluminum a popular choice across industries like transportation, construction, technology and aviation. To know more about one of the best aluminium companies in Chennai that can cater to a wide variety of aluminium extruded products, log on to https://kmcaluminium.com/

Pic courtesy: unsplash