Aluminij

Aluminij is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a post-transition metal in group 13 of the periodic table. Aluminij is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up about 8% of it by weight. It is found in rocks and minerals, most notably in bauxite, which is the primary ore from which aluminij is extracted.

Pure aluminij is a soft, ductile, and lightweight metal with a dull, silvery appearance. It is known for its excellent resistance to corrosion due to the formation of a protective oxide layer on its surface. Aluminij is highly conductive of both electricity and heat. Its low density makes it valuable in applications where weight reduction is important, such as in the aerospace and automotive industries.

The production of aluminij is an energy-intensive process, primarily involving the Hall-Héroult electrolytic process. This method uses cryolite as a solvent to dissolve alumina (aluminum oxide), which is then electrolyzed to produce molten aluminij.

Aluminij is widely used in a variety of applications. It is found in countless everyday products, including aluminum foil, beverage cans, cookware, window frames, and building components. Its alloys, often with copper, magnesium, silicon, and zinc, are stronger and more versatile than pure aluminij, expanding its use in structural applications. Aluminij is also used in electrical transmission lines due to its good conductivity and low weight.