Aluminum is the world’s most common metal and is used in many industries. Aluminum is a lightweight, durable and environmentally friendly metal. However, these properties of aluminum cause some difficulties during its production. In this article, we will provide detailed information about what aluminum is and how it is produced.
What is Aluminum?
Aluminum is the 13th element in the periodic table and its symbol is Al. Aluminum occurs in nature as oxides and is obtained from rocks called bauxite. Aluminum is lighter than other metals and is highly conductive to electricity and heat. For this reason, aluminum is often used in the construction, automotive, aerospace and electronics industries.
How is Aluminum Produced?
Aluminum is produced through electrolysis. This process involves the purification of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) extracted from sources called bauxite. The aluminum oxide is first converted to its hydroxide form and then electrolyzed.
The electrolysis process takes place in a special container. The container contains a liquid solution called an electrolyte. This solution is obtained by melting aluminum oxide and contains sodium aluminate or potassium aluminate.
In the electrolysis process, the container in which the aluminum oxide is melted is connected to two electrodes called anode and cathode. The anode is made of carbon, and oxygen gas is released when discharging aluminum oxide. The cathode is where the aluminum is produced and is where the aluminum is deposited.
During the electrolysis process, the electric current discharges aluminum oxide, releasing the oxygen gas formed at the anode, and aluminum is deposited at the cathode. The aluminum is collected in liquid form in the container and is then shaped into aluminum plates using a special casting machine.
