What are the various uses of Aluminum?

Aluminum is a soft metal with a density of 2.7 g cm^-3. Aluminum can be easily extruded through dies to form various shapes:

1. It is used for making angles used in windows.

2. It is a good conductor of electricity. Since it is not a good conductor as copper, thicker cables of aluminium are used for transmission of electricity.

3. Aluminium forms many useful such as magmalium (Al and Mg), duralium (Al, Cu, Mg and Mn). Aluminium alloys are used in aircraft and other transportation vehicles.

4. In the form of finely-divided powder, aluminium is used in antirust paints.

5. Aluminium foil is used for wrapping cigarettes, confectionery, etc.

6. Aluminium is used o produce metals such as chromium and manganese from their ores (aluminothermic process).

Cr₂O₃ + 2Al à Al₂ O₃ + 2Cr

3MnO₂ +4Al à 2Al₂O₃ + 3Mn

This process can be used for welding broken pieces of machinery because the metal during this process is obtained in molten state.

Fe₂O₃ + 2Al à 2Fe + Al₂O₃

7. Aluminium utensils are extensively used for household purposes.