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.
Naturally, the ore exists in combination with over two hundred and seventy other minerals. Bauxite forms the primary ore. Most profound characteristics of aluminum are ability to resist corrosion and low density. Low density becomes useful in the manufacture of structural components and aircrafts. Because the metal does not rust, it is very useful in various 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 involves dissolving alumina into molten cryolite with calcium fluoride. When aluminium dissolves in the electrolyte, it dissociates releasing its ions to move around freely. The resultant compound is then reduced electrolytically into aluminium. The reduction process takes place within the temperature range of 950 and 980 degrees Celsius. Aluminium ions are reduced allowing the metal to sink at the bottom of the compound. The Hall-Heroult process was a replacement for the Wohler process, which used potassium to reduce anhydrous aluminum chloride.
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 applications are in industries like packaging, construction, household items, lighting, engineering, insulation, electronics, and power distribution among others. Hydrogen gas can also be produced by reacting the metal with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid. The powdered form is also an important additive in paints, thermite, and solid rocket fuels. Some countries issue currencies that are products of aluminium or its alloys.
Research has not shown any severe medical concerns resulting from consuming small amounts. Consuming large quantities however might cause neurotoxicity and other problems in the nervous system and brain. When people who are allergic make contact with it, they may experience contact dermatitis, digestive disorders, and vomiting.
Naturally, the ore exists in combination with over two hundred and seventy other minerals. Bauxite forms the primary ore. Most profound characteristics of aluminum are ability to resist corrosion and low density. Low density becomes useful in the manufacture of structural components and aircrafts. Because the metal does not rust, it is very useful in various 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 involves dissolving alumina into molten cryolite with calcium fluoride. When aluminium dissolves in the electrolyte, it dissociates releasing its ions to move around freely. The resultant compound is then reduced electrolytically into aluminium. The reduction process takes place within the temperature range of 950 and 980 degrees Celsius. Aluminium ions are reduced allowing the metal to sink at the bottom of the compound. The Hall-Heroult process was a replacement for the Wohler process, which used potassium to reduce anhydrous aluminum chloride.
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 applications are in industries like packaging, construction, household items, lighting, engineering, insulation, electronics, and power distribution among others. Hydrogen gas can also be produced by reacting the metal with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid. The powdered form is also an important additive in paints, thermite, and solid rocket fuels. Some countries issue currencies that are products of aluminium or its alloys.
Research has not shown any severe medical concerns resulting from consuming small amounts. Consuming large quantities however might cause neurotoxicity and other problems in the nervous system and brain. When people who are allergic make contact with it, they may experience contact dermatitis, digestive disorders, and vomiting.
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