The chemical element of the 13th group of the 3rd period of the periodic table of chemical elements D. AND. Mendeleev. The atomic number is 13 and the atomic mass is 26.9. The symbol is Al (lat. Aluminium). The boiling point is 2467°C, the melting point is 660 °C, the density is 2712 kg/m³.
It is the second most widely used (after gland), the most abundant metal in the earth's crust and the third most abundant metal among all elements of the earth's crust (after oxygen and silicon). Aluminum accounts for 8% of the weight of our planet's solid surface.
Feldspar, the most common group of minerals in the earth's crust, contains aluminum as one of its components. Aluminum is also found in the minerals beryl, cryolite, garnet, spinel, and turquoise. In addition, metal plays an important role in the formation of some precious stones (rubies and sapphires).
This once considered precious metal was first obtained in 1825 by the Danish physicist and chemist Hans Christian Oersted. The discovery of aluminum was made possible when scientists were able to use electricity to break down chemical compounds into their elements. Oersted used the electrolysis method that is still used today to produce aluminum: he reduced the element's chloride with potassium amalgam when heated and isolated the metal.
In 1827, German chemist Friedrich Wöhler improved Oersted's method by using pure metallic potassium to reduce aluminum chloride to metal. In addition, it was Wöhler who was the first to describe the chemical properties of aluminum.
The modern method of commercial production of the material was discovered in 1886: Charles Martin Hall in the USA and Paul-Louis-Toussaint Héroux in France independently obtained this metal by electrolysis of purified aluminum oxide dissolved in molten cryolite.
And already in the 60s of the 20th century, aluminum surpassed copper and came out on top in the global production of non-ferrous metals.
There are several reasons why aluminum has become so widely used in the manufacturing industry.
This is a fairly lightweight material — on average, aluminum weighs a third less steels at the same volume. This means that it is not only easier to handle it at a factory or construction site, but it is also cheaper to transport it.
Although lightweight, aluminum is strong, almost like steel, and ductile at the same time. Metal is easily processed by pressure in both hot and cold states and can be rolled, pulled and stamped.
The material does not contain iron, which means that it does not rust. Aluminum products will withstand any precipitation without any problems, be it rain, snow or constant high humidity.
In addition to all of the above properties, aluminum is considered one of the most recyclable materials. At the same time, its processing requires only 5% of the energy used to produce the initial primary metal.
Due to its versatility, aluminum is used everywhere. Modern construction, automotive, aviation, energy, food and other industries would not be possible without aluminum.
Due to its barrier properties, aluminum foil keeps food fresh and is used in protective packaging for pharmaceuticals. Alloy wheels, engines and other parts are made from the alloy of this metal with silicon and magnesium. And you are holding the aluminum-zinc alloy in your hands right now in the form of a smartphone or laptop.
Bicycles, airplanes, beverage cans, windows, doors, wire, cookware, photo equipment, and much more are all made of aluminum.
