Aluminum! You’re probably familiar with it. You might even think that there is no reason to inquire about Aluminum. However, we’ve compiled 25 fascinating facts about Aluminum to share with you to consider.
We will discuss every single one in this post. If you’re interested in learning more about an extremely frequently utilized metal around the globe, begin reading this article.
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25 Facts About Aluminum
#1 Introduction To Aluminum
Aluminum is among the chemical elements: light, flexible, malleable, soft, silvery-white, and very reactive. It is atomically number 13 and is referred to as its symbol Al. The melting point for Aluminum has been set at 660.3 Degrees Celsius. Likely, you’ve already used an item made of Aluminum throughout your life.
#2 Discovery of Aluminum
Since the 1800s, numerous scientists have suspected that there is a new metal found in Aluminum. Researchers have conducted many experiments to create Aluminum during the time.
However, no one was able to actually find the substance. In 1824, however, a chemical chemist from Denmark known as Hans Christian Oersted extracted a small amount of Aluminum following some tests. In 1825, he presented the test specimen of this brand new metal.
In 1827, a chemical chemist from Germany known as Friedrich Wohler tried to produce Aluminum by combining similar experiments. But he failed. Then, in 1845 the scientist produced a small amount of Aluminum in an identical experiment.
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Additionally, he identified some physical properties of the new metal. This led to Friedrich Wohler being credited as the inventor of Aluminum at the time. Many people believe that it was Hans Christian Oersted as the discovery.
#3 The Hall-Heroult & Bayer Process
Although we discovered the existence of Aluminum, we had to wait for a long time before we could witness its commercialization. Important metal. In 1886, two researchers in French and the USA is known as Paul Heroult and Charles Martin Hall, respectively, began producing Aluminum at a large scale.
The method they employed in extracting Aluminum has been referred to as the ‘Hall Heroult process.’ A scientist from Austria known as Carl Joseph Bayer used another method of making Aluminum using Bauxite in 1889. The process is referred to by the name of ‘the Bayer procedure’. Modern aluminum production is based on these two methods.
#4 Recycling Aluminum
Aluminum is extremely recyclable. The possibility is that it could be fully recycled. Additionally, recycling aluminum uses less than 5 percent of the energy used in the production of aluminum from the ore.
Recycling Aluminum has been one of the main goals of the aluminum industry. According to the theory, around 75 percent of all Aluminum made is still being used.
#5 Abundance of Aluminum
When it comes to metals, Aluminum is among the most abundant of them on Earth. The amount of about 8 percent of Earth’s crust is composed of Aluminum as regards the number of elements, aluminum ranks as the third most abundant element found on the planet. It is found in more than 300 minerals.
#6 Properties of Aluminum
Aluminum isn’t magnetic. However Aluminum conducts electrical energy. It is odorless and impermeable. It is a light metal, with a particular weight of 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter. It is among the most corrosion-resistant metals.
The weight of Aluminum is approximately 1/3 that of steel. In general pure Aluminum is soft and weak. It is not strong enough. It is also malleable and ductile in the natural world. This is why Aluminum melts at the temperature of 660 degrees Celsius. This is ideal for casting.
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#7 Aluminum in Space Exploration
We have already mentioned that Aluminum has a very low density. This characteristic of Aluminum is ideal for using it for space exploration. Indeed, the very first artificial satellite ever built — Sputnik 1 — was constructed using Aluminum. Since then, researchers have employed Aluminum to create nearly every spacecraft to a certain degree.
#8 Aluminum Was A Precious Metal Once
At one time it was an extremely valuable metal. It was also often referred to as the ‘Metal for Kings’. The mid-19th century was when it was more expensive than gold. Incredibly, Napoleon III would use utensils and cutlery made from Aluminum during his time of rule.
Because of the metal’s huge demand due to its high value, only the most revered guests would be allowed to use aluminum-based kitchen dishes. For those who are less fortunate, users would need to use cutlery and plates made of silver or gold. Funny, isn’t it?
#9 Aluminum in World’s First Aircraft
It is likely that you already know that the “Wilbur or Orville Wright’ twins invented and designed the first successful aircraft in aviation history. On 17th December 1903, they successfully flew the world’s first air-based vehicle in around 12 seconds.
The engine for the plane was constructed from Aluminum. Initially, they employed an automobile engine to power the aircraft. Naturally, it was too heavy for the aircraft. Therefore they developed a new engine made of Aluminum that succeeded in their goal.
#10 Aluminum Foil
It’s not necessary for us to explain aluminum foils in front of our viewers. They are composed of an aluminum alloy that contains 92 % to 99 percent aluminum. The most popular foils come with numerous applications. The demand for Aluminum foil has grown due to its strength and is non-toxic, greaseproof, and cheap.
The inventor was Robert V. Neher, who invented making aluminum foil back in the year 1907. This process is called “Continuous Aluminum Rolling or ‘Continuous Casting’. He began the process in 1910 and inaugurated the first roll-mill for aluminum foil in Switzerland.
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#11 Usage of Aluminum in Modern Days
Following the discovery of Aluminum metal, it has now become among the top used metals we encounter in our day-to-day lives. It is a multi-purpose metal. As you can see, Aluminum has a myriad of applications across various areas. In particular, it is used to utilize this metal in the transport sector.
Aluminum is utilized to construct trains, aircrafts, trucks, railway automobiles, spacecraft, maritime vessels, and many different kinds of cars. Also, you know that Aluminum is utilized in the construction and building industries.
It can be utilized to make windows, doors roofing, doors, etc. For lightweight and resistance to corrosion, Aluminum is among the top choices for construction metal.
It is also utilized in the electric industry. Also, Aluminum is utilized to produce different kitchen and household kitchen utensils. In addition, the metal can also be used to create various machinery equipment.
#12 Usage of Aluminum in Ancient Times
In the past, alum was widely used. However, it was not discovered that it was possible to take aluminum metal from Alum. The renowned Greek historian Herodotus wrote about alum during the early 5th century BCE.
It was also the first recorded record of the mineral. It is believed that people used the alum to defend their city and to fix dyes or to help in tanning or even as a drug or medicine.
#13 Aluminum in Space
In the solar system we live in, it is the most abundant 12th of the elements. Additionally, it is the third-most abundant element in the group of elements with an odd number in their atomic structure. The space environment is where Aluminum can be formed by fusing carbon within massive stars. In general, stars like these become ‘Type II Supernovae’ in the aftermath of massive explosions.
In this process that took place, 26Mg (an isotope of Magnesium) will be created. Then, this isotope would be transformed into Aluminum following the capture of free protons and neutrons. Incredibly, all the aluminum present on the planet is actually 27Al (an isotope of Aluminum) and 26Al is no longer in existence at present.
#14 Economically Viable Source of Aluminum
We’ve already stated that Aluminum is among the most widely used elements. However, not all minerals are suitable for producing economically sustainable Aluminum. It was discovered that the mineral ‘Bauxite’ (AlOx (OH) 3x) is the best choice for obtaining the finest quality aluminum.
This is why nearly all-aluminum metals used in commercial production are derived from the mineral Bauxite for quite a while. Bauxite is found in many locations on Earth. According to reports, the top three nations that produced the highest amount of Bauxite in 2017 were Australia, China, Guinea and many more. Respectively.
#15 First Statues Cast Using Aluminum
Today Aluminum is a popular element in casting sculptures made of metal, like statues. Prior to 1893, however, the use of Aluminum on construction sites was very restricted. According to the report, the Statue of Anteros situated within the Piccadilly Circus, London, was one of the first sculptures constructed using Aluminum. The statue was constructed in 1893.
#16 World’s Top Aluminum Producers
The process of removing aluminum from the ore source is incredibly energy-intensive. That’s why all producers of an aluminum attempt to establish aluminum smelters in areas where electricity costs are not too high and the electricity supply is plentiful since the electricity cost is the main reason for around 20-40% of the total cost for manufacturing Aluminum.
According to data reports, in 2018, total aluminum production total was around 64.3 million metric tons worldwide. In addition, the biggest aluminum-producing nation was China. In actuality, around 40 million metric tonnes of Aluminum were produced in 2018 by China and other Asian firms. Additionally, Russia and Australia are at second and third places and 3rd place, respectively.
#17 Aluminum is (Almost) Always Alloyed
As you are aware, Aluminum is extremely soft in its natural state. To improve its mechanical properties and stretch the metal, it is often combined with nonmetals or other metals. Zinc, copper, magnesium, silicon, manganese, etc. are among the most commonly used allying agents together with Aluminum. This means that it’s difficult to locate purity aluminum within our every day routine.
#18 Aluminum in the Packaging and Food Industry
Aluminum is extensively utilized in the food and beverage industry. In general, you’ll find the use of this metal in a variety of ways, from packaging, and storing to framing food items.
A few of the most common examples of Aluminum used in the food industry include aluminum foils, aluminum cans, aluminum pans, and aluminum containers and aluminum trays, among others. Aluminum is widely used within the food industry since it is generally non-toxic and solid, splinter-proof, grease-proof, and more.
#19 Aluminum-air Battery
Al-air batteries or aluminum-air are a kind of battery that is able to generate electricity through the reaction of Aluminum with oxygen that is present in air. In theory, they possess some of the most high energy density in comparison to other kinds of batteries.
However, these comprise primary cells. This means they are not rechargeable batteries. This is why they aren’t widely or Commerical currently in use. Generally speaking, these types of batteries are only used for military purposes.
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#20 Aluminum in World War I & II
Aluminum has played an important part throughout each of the World Wars. It became one of the most crucial and strategic meals of the era. Primarily, it was used to build ships, aircraft, military mess kits radar chaffs, and more.
In World War II, the USA constructed more than 300,000 military aircraft. In addition, the vast majority of them were built using Aluminum. To achieve this feat, it is estimated that the USA has used more than 3.0 billion 1.3 billion kilograms of Aluminum.
There are reports that then-president of the USSR Joseph Stalin sent a letter to the head of state of the USA “Franklin Roosevelt” in 1941. The letter also states that Joseph Stalin stated in the letter, ‘Give me 30 thousand of tons of aluminum and I’ll triumph in the battle’.
#21 Pure Aluminum is Rarely Found
Another fascinating aspect of Aluminum is that it’s extremely reactive. It is the reason why it is almost never seen in its pure version in the natural world. Additionally, it is very simple to use to interact with the majority of the nonmetals on hearting too.
In normal conditions, even a smaller amount of this metal may react with oxygen in the atmosphere. Interestingly, when pure Aluminum gets into oxygen (oxygen), it forms the thin layer of the inert oxide, i.e., Aluminum Oxide(Al2O3) forms rapidly on the metal’s surface. This is what makes Aluminum impervious to rust and corrosion.
#22 Naming of Aluminum
The metal’s name was derived from the word “Alum” (a sodium-based aluminum salt). Salt has been used in many forms since the earliest times. In the beginning the extraction of Aluminum by removing this mineral.
The word ‘Alumina is derived from the word “alum.” The word ‘Alum’ comes out of the Latin word “Alumen.”. The term ‘Aluminum’ was invented by an English chemical scientist known as Humphry Davy in 1812.
#23 The Aluminum Can
Aluminum cans are widely used and widely used today. They were not created until 1956. In 1958, businesses began using aluminum cans to store food items and drinks.
#24 Aluminum is Extremely Reflective
Another fascinating quality of Aluminum is the fact that it’s extremely reflective. A new, metalized aluminum film will reflect around 92 percent of visible light and nearly 98 percent of infrared radiation. Because of its highly reflective nature, Aluminum is utilized in the production of telescopes.
#25 Aluminum in the USA
As of now up to now, until now, the USA has imported most of the bauxite ore that is used in different countries for the production of primary Aluminum. 13 aluminum smelters are primary in the USA. According to reports, around 5 percent of all produced energy in the USA will be utilized to manufacture Aluminum.
This has caused numerous discussions and debates in recent years. In the end, researchers are searching for alternatives to the current method (Hall-Heroult process) of making Aluminum. The Hall-Heroult method is known to use a significant amount of energy. We haven’t discovered a suitable alternative as of yet.
Summarizing Amazing Facts About Aluminum
The importance of Aluminum can’t be explained in one or two words. It is an integral element of our lives. In this article, we’ve provided an overview of the history of this metal and a couple of amazing facts about this metal that is of the utmost importance.
Even though it is a relatively new metal, you can observe that it has quickly become among the top important metals of our time.
Did we miss any other interesting facts regarding Aluminum? If yes, ensure you read our article on information on the climate’s changing.
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