This the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust but is rarely found uncombined in nature. It is always combined with other elements such as oxygen, silicon and fluorine. At standard temperature and pressure, aluminum atoms (when not affected by atoms of other elements) form a face-centered cubic crystal system bound by metallic bonding provided by atoms’ outermost electrons; hence aluminum is a metal.
Since aluminum is a metal, it reacts slowly with water and forms a film of aluminum oxide over the surface. That whitish and very hard to see, and stops the corrosion process dead. Technically rust is oxides of iron which includes steel which is alloys of iron
Advantages of aluminum
- Its super light
- It’s hypoallergenic!
- It doesn’t rust
- Doesn’t tarnish
- Aluminum is easy to clean
- Eco friendly
- Comes in pretty colors
- It looks like sterling silver
- Less expensive
Aluminum is a ductile metal that’s easy to bend and shape. Using basic tools and minimal pressure, manufacturing companies can mold aluminum into the necessary shape for their respective applications. Its low ductility makes not ideal for forming and molding applications when compared to metals with a higher ductility. It is also the most abundant metallic element on Earth, which is a lightweight and silvery-white metal with a lifespan of over 40 years for building and over 80 years for window frames. It is strong, durable, odorless, lightweight, strong and resistant to corrosion.
APPLICATIONS FOR ALUMINIUM
Aluminum is used in a huge variety of products including cans, foils, kitchen utensils, window frames, beer kegs and airplane parts. This is because of its particular properties. Interior designers also enjoy using aluminum as it’s easy to shape and looks great! Furniture items made from aluminum include tables, chairs, lamps, picture frames and decorative panels. Architectural, because aluminum is both strong and lightweight it is ideal for architectural applications. Transportation. This is because of its weight and strength. Consumer goods, electrical.
