Alüminyum

Alüminyum, usually referred to in English as aluminum, is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust and the most common lightweight metal. It is soft and ductile, with a density of about 2.7 g/cm³ and a high strength-to-weight ratio when alloyed. A thin oxide layer forms rapidly on exposed surfaces, giving corrosion resistance and enabling wide use in various environments. It conducts heat and electricity reasonably well and reflects light, which is useful in coatings and packaging.

Occurrence and production: Most aluminum is derived from bauxite ore. The Bayer process produces alumina (Al2O3) from bauxite, and the Hall-Héroult electrolytic process reduces alumina to metallic aluminum. Global production is concentrated in a few countries, with major producers including China, Russia, Canada and Australia. Aluminum is highly recyclable; recycled metal requires only a fraction of the energy of primary production.

Alloys and applications: Aluminum is commonly alloyed with magnesium, silicon, or other elements to enhance strength and stiffness. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, construction, packaging (foil and cans), electrical components, and consumer electronics, as well as in architectural and consumer goods due to its formability and corrosion resistance.

Environmental and safety considerations: Solid aluminum is non-toxic, but handling fine powders or dust can pose fire or explosion risks. Mining of bauxite and primary smelting energy use have environmental impacts; recycling reduces energy use and emissions.

History: Aluminum was first isolated in 1825 by Hans Christian Ørsted and later refined by Friedrich Wöhler. Large‑scale production began after the development of the Hall-Héroult electrolysis process in 1886 by Charles Martin Hall and Paul Héroult.