The History of Aluminium: Uses, Properties and Environmental Impact
10 minutes read
12 Oct 2023
Since it was first isolated in the 18th century, aluminium has transformed several industries. It is one of the most useful metals ever discovered due to its lightweight and versatile nature.
But what exactly is aluminium, and how has it become one of the most important metals we have? In this post, we’re going to explore the history and impact on the world.
Article in Brief
Aluminium was first isolated in 1825 by chemist Hans Christian Ørsted
Bauxite is the source of aluminium.
Aluminium has many important properties including weight, strength, flexibility and resistance to corrosion.
Today, aluminium is used across a variety of important industries.
You can find high quality aluminium today with the Metal Store.
A brief history of aluminium
Aluminium was first isolated in its pure form in Denmark by chemist Hans Christian Ørsted. In 1825, he discovered a new way of producing aluminium chloride without water from aluminium oxide. These experiments ended with him creating the first lump of impure aluminium. We now know this to be a groundbreaking discovery, but the magnitude of aluminium as a metal was not properly understood until much later.
The aluminium of the 18th and 19th centuries was very different from how we know it today – seen as a valuable, rare metal for many years before people understood its practical applications.
Throughout the course of the 19th century, many inventors and scientists searched for a way to make a commercially viable extraction method. It wasn’t until 1886 that scientist Charles Martin Hall discovered a process for refining aluminium, eventually allowing the fast manufacturing of the metal.
Bauxite: the source of aluminium
To understand the source of aluminium, you first have to understand Bauxite. This is a mineral found in nature that has the property of being rich in aluminium oxide.
Bauxite deposits form over millions of years, as feldspars (rock-forming minerals) become weathered while leaching silica and other minerals. The entire process is complex, but the bauxite deposits have been found most commonly in Australia, Guinea, Brazil, and Jamaica.
Some of the first steps in aluminium production involve mining and refining bauxite. An ore can be extracted known as alumina, or aluminium oxide, which is then converted into aluminium through a method known as the “Bayer process.” This was invented in 1887 by Austrian chemist Carl Josef Bayer. We still use the same process today to create aluminium.
Aluminium properties overview
So why was the discovery of aluminium such a big deal? In short, it has a series of properties that make it perfect for many types of applications in various industries. Although these can vary depending on the grade of the metal, there are few properties that are the same no matter what:
Weight
Aluminium is extraordinarily lightweight, making it suitable for components that need to be strong but reduce their weight.
Conductivity
Aluminium conducts both electricity and heat, making it effective in various technologies.
Resistance to corrosion
Aluminium forms a protective oxide layer when exposed to oxygen, making it resistant to corrosion.
Recyclability
Aluminium is 100% recyclable without losing any of its important qualities. This means that over the course of time, it has been used as an environmentally friendly choice, especially when used in construction, engineering, and food packaging.
Modern uses for aluminium
There are many modern uses for aluminium across a variety of industries. The metal’s impressive properties have made it stand at the forefront of technology today.
Aluminium can be easily changed into different shapes, with some of the most used forms being bars, sheets, channels, and tubes. Let’s take a look at some of its main applications:
Aerospace
Aluminium is one of the reasons the aerospace industry was able to make such progress over the 20th century..
Transport
The versatile nature of aluminium makes it the perfect choice for transportation vehicles, including the automotive industry.
Construction
Aluminium has become a great choice for many construction projects due to its properties such as resistance to corrosion.
Food & drink packaging
Aluminium's flexibility and recyclability make it a great choice for different types of food and drink packaging.
Electronics
Aluminium's conductivity makes it a common material in the electronics industry.
Looking for high-quality aluminium?
If you’re searching for high-quality aluminium in the UK, the Metal Store is your one-stop shop. We have an extensive range of aluminium products for many different industries, including refined forms such as polished and anodised aluminium. We also offer cutting services to reduce hassle and improve results on your metalworking project. If any of these services sound like what you’re looking for, call us 01274 875 479 or e-mail on [email protected]
