Aluminium is a chemical element grouped under the boron group. It is also spelt as aluminium and its chemical symbol is Al while the atomic number is 13. Physical properties include silvery color, softness, and considerable ductility. Aluminium has high abundance in terms of the composition of the crust of the earth and it comes third after oxygen and silicon. Aluminum in NJ does not occur in its native form because it is highly reactive.
Under natural situations, the ore exists as a mixture of more than 270 other minerals. Bauxite is the primary ore. The most significant characteristics of the substance are low density and resistance to corrosion. Low density is useful in the construction of aircrafts and structural components. Rusting does not occur in the metal rendering it useful in several industries.
In NJ, aluminium is produced through a couple of ways. The most used industrial method is referred to as Hall-Heroult process. Other methods include electrolytic smelting of alumina and indirect carbothermic reduction. Indirect carbothermic reduction method is more effective though it is not yet fully developed. It requires less energy and produces less Carbon monoxide gas compared to the Hall-Heroult process.
Hall-Heroult process requires alumina to be dissolved into molten calcium fluoride with cryolite. After completely dissolving, aluminium ions are released into the electrolyte to move freely. Electrolytic means are then used to reduce the resultant compound into aluminium. For this reduction to happen, the temperatures must be kept in the range of 950 and 980 degrees Centigrade. Aluminium ions undergo reduction depositing the metal at the bottom. Hall-Heroult process took the place for the Wohler process. Wohler process used potassium metal to reduce anhydrous aluminum chloride into aluminum.
This method consumes a lot of energy, but it continues to be used because it is the most economically and ecologically viable solution. The metal is one hundred percent recyclable and it does not lose its properties when recycled. Recycling became an important activity in NJ in the late 1960s due to increased use in beverage cans. The process of recycling involves melting the scrap to form the metal and dross. Dross can be processed further to extract the element.
The recycled metal is referred to as secondary aluminum even though it has the same properties and applications as the primary one. The metal is mostly used as an alloy with other substances because this enhances its mechanical properties. Main substances used in the alloys are copper, magnesium, silicon, zinc, and manganese. Major uses include production of transport vessels like aircrafts, trucks, railway cars, and marine vessels.
Other uses are in industries such as packaging, lighting, engineering, construction, household items, electronics, power distribution, and insulation among others. Reacting the substance with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide produces hydrogen gas. Powdered form is a vital additive in thermite, solid rocket fuels, and certain paints. Some states have and continue issuing currencies made from aluminium or its alloys.
Studies do not reveal any serious health concerns related with the element. However, if consumed in large amounts, it may cause neurotoxicity and other conditions. Some people are also allergic and may experience digestive disorders, contact dermatitis, and vomiting when they come in contact with it.
Under natural situations, the ore exists as a mixture of more than 270 other minerals. Bauxite is the primary ore. The most significant characteristics of the substance are low density and resistance to corrosion. Low density is useful in the construction of aircrafts and structural components. Rusting does not occur in the metal rendering it useful in several industries.
In NJ, aluminium is produced through a couple of ways. The most used industrial method is referred to as Hall-Heroult process. Other methods include electrolytic smelting of alumina and indirect carbothermic reduction. Indirect carbothermic reduction method is more effective though it is not yet fully developed. It requires less energy and produces less Carbon monoxide gas compared to the Hall-Heroult process.
Hall-Heroult process requires alumina to be dissolved into molten calcium fluoride with cryolite. After completely dissolving, aluminium ions are released into the electrolyte to move freely. Electrolytic means are then used to reduce the resultant compound into aluminium. For this reduction to happen, the temperatures must be kept in the range of 950 and 980 degrees Centigrade. Aluminium ions undergo reduction depositing the metal at the bottom. Hall-Heroult process took the place for the Wohler process. Wohler process used potassium metal to reduce anhydrous aluminum chloride into aluminum.
This method consumes a lot of energy, but it continues to be used because it is the most economically and ecologically viable solution. The metal is one hundred percent recyclable and it does not lose its properties when recycled. Recycling became an important activity in NJ in the late 1960s due to increased use in beverage cans. The process of recycling involves melting the scrap to form the metal and dross. Dross can be processed further to extract the element.
The recycled metal is referred to as secondary aluminum even though it has the same properties and applications as the primary one. The metal is mostly used as an alloy with other substances because this enhances its mechanical properties. Main substances used in the alloys are copper, magnesium, silicon, zinc, and manganese. Major uses include production of transport vessels like aircrafts, trucks, railway cars, and marine vessels.
Other uses are in industries such as packaging, lighting, engineering, construction, household items, electronics, power distribution, and insulation among others. Reacting the substance with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide produces hydrogen gas. Powdered form is a vital additive in thermite, solid rocket fuels, and certain paints. Some states have and continue issuing currencies made from aluminium or its alloys.
Studies do not reveal any serious health concerns related with the element. However, if consumed in large amounts, it may cause neurotoxicity and other conditions. Some people are also allergic and may experience digestive disorders, contact dermatitis, and vomiting when they come in contact with it.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire