Thursday, May 22, 2014

Learn About Aluminum In NJ

By Marci Glover


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.

Under natural situations, the ore exists as a mixture of more than 270 other minerals. Bauxite is the primary ore. The most significant characteristics of the substance are low density and resistance to corrosion. Low density is useful in the construction of aircrafts and structural components. Rusting does not occur in the metal rendering it useful in several industries.

There are numerous ways in which aluminium is produced in NJ. The main one is called the Hall-Heroult process. Others include indirect carbothermic reduction and the electrolytic smelting of alumina. Although still under development, indirect carbothermic reduction is proving to be very effective. It generates less Carbon (II) Oxide gas while consuming less power when compared to Hall-Heroult process.

Hall-Heroult process entails alumina being dissolved into molten cryolite with calcium fluoride to form a compound. After fully dissolving, free aluminium ions are discharged into the molten electrolyte. Electrolytic mechanisms are then applied to reduce the compound into aluminium metal. This reduction process can only happen if the temperatures are kept in the 950 to 980 degrees Centigrade temperature range. The free aluminium ions undergo reduction process to deposit the metal at the bed. Wohler process was replaced by Hall-Heroult process. In Wohler process anhydrous aluminum chloride was reduced into aluminum using potassium metal.

This method requires large amounts of energy, but its use cannot be abandoned because it provides the most ecologically and economically viable option. The metal can be recycled up to one hundred percent and its properties do not get lost upon recycling. The increased production of beverage cans in NJ in late 1960s made recycling a very important activity. Recycling entails melting scrap to create pure metal and an ash-like deposit called dross. With further processing the element can be derived from dross.

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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