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Aluminum has a remarkably low density of about 2.7 g/cm3, roughly one-third that of steel. This "lightweight" characteristic is why it's vital for aerospace and automotive industries to improve fuel efficiency.
When exposed to air, aluminum quickly forms a thin, tough, and transparent layer of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) on its surface. This passive layer prevents further oxidation and protects the underlying metal from corrosion, a process known as passivation.
Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat (≈237 W/(m⋅K)), a property used extensively in heat exchangers, electronic heat sinks, and cookware.
It's a good conductor of electricity, with about 62% the conductivity of copper by equal volume. However, its low density makes it a superior conductor than copper when compared by equal weight, which is why it's commonly used in overhead power lines.
The metal is highly malleable, meaning it can be easily hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking. This is how aluminum foil is produced.
Aluminum is also highly ductile, meaning it can be drawn into a thin wire. Malleability and ductility allow it to be easily shaped through processes like extrusion and rolling.
Pure aluminum has a relatively low melting point of approximately 660.3 °C (1220.5 °F), making it well-suited for casting and manufacturing processes.
Aluminum is non-magnetic, or paramagnetic, as it is only very weakly attracted to strong magnetic fields and does not retain any permanent magnetism. This feature makes it suitable for electronic and electrical applications.
Aluminum surfaces are highly reflective for both visible light (up to 92%) and infrared radiation (up to 98%), making it useful for mirrors, decorative finishes, and reflective coatings.
While pure aluminum is relatively soft, it readily forms alloys with elements like copper, zinc, magnesium, and silicon. These aluminum alloys significantly enhance its strength, hardness, and durability, which is essential for structural applications in construction and transportation.
Hover over an element to see it magnified.
Information and data for this project were gathered from the following reputable sources.