What are the benefits of Aluminium?
A known lightweight metal, it has a specific weight of approximately 2.71 g/cm3. It’s about a third of the weight of steel, which makes it easier and cheaper to transport than most other metals. The strength of aluminium can be adapted using varying alloying elements to provide better benefits including higher strength or easier formability.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium is a corrosion-resistant metal that naturally generates a protective coating. The coating formed is extremely thin and is generated when aluminium comes into contact with an oxidising environment. This protective aluminium oxide layer helps protect the surface of the metal from corrosion. Additionally, getting surface treatment such as painting or anodising can further improve the overall corrosion resistance of the metal.
Electrical and Thermal Conductivity
It is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. Although aluminium is not as conductive as copper it is approximately a third of the weight. aluminium wire with half the weight of copper wire would have the same amount of electrical resistance. As a result, it is the chosen material for power transmission lines. It is also an excellent conductor of heat. It is used as heatsinks in applications such as LED lights, electrical products, computer motherboards, etc.
Reflectivity
Another benefit of Aluminium is that it serves as a good reflector. Aluminium is used in rescue blankets and light fittings because of its ability to reflect both light and heat.
Odourless and Impermeable
Even with 0.007 mm thickness of aluminium foil, it is still impermeable and doesn’t have a substance taste or smell. This is non-toxic and often used for packaging of sensitive products including pharmaceuticals and food.
Recyclability
Aluminium is a 100% recyclable and during the recycling process, it retains all of its original properties. It is more cost-effective to use recycled metal than prime metal out of the ground.
