Properties of aluminum alloy and 5 outstanding uses

Aluminum alloy is a compound of aluminum with other elements. This combination has created a line of materials with high durability, good oxidation resistance, easy processing, etc. With many outstanding properties, aluminum alloy has gradually become an important material and is chosen in many applications. different.

What is aluminum alloy?

Aluminum alloy is a compound made up of aluminum along with a number of other chemical elements such as copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, silicon, etc. The specific composition and ratio of these elements will determine the specific type of alloy. . This is a soft metal material, usually metallic silver white.

Thanks to the combination with many other elements, this material has many improved properties such as anti-corrosion, good oxidation resistance, etc. Therefore, aluminum alloys today are always popular and increasingly popular in many applications. areas of life.

Classification of aluminum alloys

Based on the manufacturing method, we have two main types of alloys:

Cast aluminum alloy: Produced through the method of smelting bauxite aluminum ore. The aluminum will be separated and placed into the frame to create the desired shape. This is a method that takes a lot of effort and energy.

Deformed aluminum alloy: Also known as wrought aluminum alloy, it uses heat treatment in the production process. Includes two small types: durable and non-durable deformable aluminum alloys.

Based on the chemical composition and physical properties, we will have the following types of alloys:

• Series 1000 (Pure): Aluminum accounts for about 99% of the structure.
• 2000 Series: Copper makes up the main proportion of materials, giving them better durability.
• 3000 Series: Manganese serves as the main alloying element, contributing to improved formability and effective corrosion resistance.
• 4000 Series: The high content of Silicon gives aluminum alloys good melting and shrinking ability during shaping.
• 5000 Series: The main alloying element in this alloy family is Magnesium.
• 6000 Series: Magnesium and Silicon are the two main ingredients, enhancing durability and optimal corrosion resistance.
• 7000 Series: The main chemical element in this line is zinc, which is highly durable, flexible, and easy to process.

4 outstanding properties of aluminum alloy

This metal line has many outstanding properties that not all materials have.

Light-weight

Aluminum alloys have low density so they are quite light in weight, only 1/3 of steel. Therefore, it is an ideal material in weight-conscious applications.

Good corrosion resistance

Surface aluminum alloy Forms a natural oxide layer, with high anti-corrosion properties in the air. Therefore, when using this material, we do not need an additional protective paint layer. In many cases, if people want to increase corrosion resistance, people make the protective aluminum oxide layer thicker by anodizing.

Electrical conductivity

Aluminum alloy has electrical conductivity only 2/3 of copper. However, due to its light weight, aluminum wire will be half lighter than copper wire, providing convenience during transportation and installation. Besides, aluminum alloy It is also less likely to be heated, contributing to reducing the risk of fire and explosion when using equipment that requires high temperatures.

Flexibility

Aluminum alloys are very soft and flexible, making them flexible in the manufacturing process. Production units can easily shape, laminate, create wires, melt, etc. depending on customer requirements. Although it is easy to shape, this material should not be used at temperatures higher than 300 - 400 degrees Celsius.

Below are the tables of physical properties and chemical properties of aluminum alloy:

Physical properties of aluminum alloys

Physical properties of aluminum alloys

Uses of aluminum alloy in life

With many superior properties such as good corrosion resistance, ease of processing, etc. aluminum alloys are increasingly useful in many industries.

• Electrical Application: This material serves as an electrical conductor in power transmission lines, electronic components, etc. In addition, aluminum alloy is also used in many electronic devices thanks to its good heat dissipation ability.

• Consumer goods: Thanks to its good anti-corrosion properties, light weight and recyclability, aluminum alloys are often used to make cooking utensils, water cans, etc.

• Medical equipment: Aluminum and aluminum alloys are also used for wheelchairs, hospital beds, medical instruments, etc. because they are durable and do not rust.
• Build: Aluminum alloy has become a useful material in applications for making doors, windows, partitions, decorative aluminum bracket,…

• Transport: Aluminum alloys are also used in the manufacture of ships and boats such as engine blocks, body panels or as structural parts in the marine, railway, automobile industries, etc.

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Above are Kosmos' shares about aluminum alloys. Hopefully this article will help readers understand better aluminum alloy, properties and applications of this metal line.