aluminarich

Aluminarich is a descriptive term used in materials science and industry to refer to substances with a high aluminium oxide (Al2O3) content. The term is not a formal mineral or compound name but a designation applied to alumina-rich ceramics, refractories, and related materials. In practice, aluminarich materials typically contain 70 wt% or more Al2O3, with many high-purity variants reaching 90–99 wt%.

Forms and composition: Aluminarich materials include dense ceramic powders, fused or calcined alumina, and composite ceramics that incorporate alumina with small amounts of stabilizers or secondary oxides (e.g., silica, magnesia, or titania) to tailor properties. They may be natural bauxite-derived materials or synthetic alumina powders produced by calcination of aluminum hydroxide or via the Bayer process.

Production and processing: The alumina-rich category encompasses materials produced by refining bauxite to alumina, or by precipitation and calcination of aluminum compounds, followed by milling, consolidation, and sintering to achieve desired density and microstructure.

Applications: Used in high-temperature refractories, kiln furniture, abrasive grinding media, cutting tools, and electrical insulators. In catalyst support roles, aluminarich substrates provide stability at high temperatures and resistance to corrosion.

Notes: Because aluminarich is a descriptive label rather than a standardized grade, specifications vary by supplier and application. Standards often specify minimum Al2O3 content and acceptable impurity levels.

See also: alumina, corundum, refractory ceramics.