Q. Uses of Aluminium?
Aluminium exhibits useful properties of low density, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and good corrosion resistance with non-toxic nature of the metal and its compounds. Due to these properties, it is the most widely used non-ferrous metal. Aluminium is used for making electrical conductors, cooking utensils and wrapping materials. You must have seen milk bottles capped with aluminium foil. Aluminium is extensively used for structural purposes, either alone or alloyed, in aircraft, ship and building industries. Large amounts of aluminium are converted into alloys, such as, duralumin and magnalium containing a few per cent of copper or magnesium. These alloys are harder and stronger than pure aluminium but possess almost the same properties of lightness and corrosion resistance which can be further increased by anodising process. Aluminium beryllium alloys are harder and Lighter than other alloys of aluminium and are extensively used in space-craft. However, toxic nature of beryllium makes their handling difficult. Due to its strong affinity for oxygen, aluminium is a good reducing agent and is used in aluminothermic process for extraction of metals and in welding. Suspension of finely powdered aluminium in oil is used as paint.