Aluminium is a soft and light weight metal with a dull silvery appearance, due to a thin layer of oxidation that forms quickly when it is exposed to air. Aluminium is nontoxic (as the metal) non-magnetic and non-sparking.
Pure aluminium has a tensile strength of about 49 megapascals (MPa) and 700 MPa if it is formed into an alloy. Aluminium is about one-third as dense as steel or copper; is malleable, ductile, and easily machined and cast; and has excellent corrosion resistance and durability due to the protective oxide layer.
It is also non-magnetic and non-sparking and is the second most malleable metal (after gold) and the sixth most ductile.
Pure aluminium has a low tensile strength, but readily forms alloys with many elements such as copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese and silicon. When combined with thermo-mechanical processing these aluminium alloys display a marked improvement in mechanical properties.
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Pharmaceutical Applications:
Aluminium collapsible tube, ophthalmic containers, aluminum foil, aluminium packing, etc.
General Applications:
1. In transportation – automobiles, airplanes, trucks, railroad cars, marine vessels, etc.
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2. In packaging – cans, foil, etc.
3. Water treatment
4. Construction – windows, doors, siding, building wire, etc.
5. Consumer durable goods- appliances, cooking utensils, etc.