Aluminum is one of the most prevalent materials in our environment, but we often ignore how much of it there is, and how it is used. First isolated through chemical reactions, aluminum's properties of low density and high resistance to corrosion make it an excellent metal for industrial applications. Aluminum is never found in the environment, as it chemically reacts with things around it. Once purified, aluminum is present in lightweight structures, electronics, cars, and wind turbines. It is present in trace amounts in our food.
Aluminum's excellent corrosion resistance is due to the formation of a thin, protective oxide layer on its surface, which acts as a barrier against further corrosion. This property makes aluminum suitable for outdoor applications and environments with high humidity. Additionally, aluminum is malleable and ductile, meaning it can be easily shaped and formed into various products. Its high thermal conductivity makes it an efficient conductor of heat, making it a popular choice for cookware, radiators, and heat exchangers. Finally, aluminum is recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties, making it an environmentally friendly material.
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