Aluminum and its alloys: all about this metal

To date, practical application foundalmost all metals known to man and their alloys. Each of them has its own specific features, which determine the scope of their use in various industries. The most widespread iron and various compounds based on it, as well as aluminum and its alloys. This can be explained, above all, large natural reserves, as well as excellent chemical, physical and mechanical characteristics.

A bit of history

According to the ancient legend described in the treatise“Natural History” by Guy Pliny the Elder, compiled in about 77 AD, one day an unknown master approached the emperor of Rome Tiberius and gave him a gift in the form of a bowl of silver and very light metal. When Tiberius asked him what he had made of it, he replied that it was made of clay. Surprised, the emperor ordered to kill the innocent artisan and destroy his workshop, so that this invention would not lead to the depreciation of the metals of the Roman treasury. It is a pity that at that time he was unable to assess all the prospects for discovery, because aluminum and its alloys in the future made a real breakthrough.

Why is aluminum and its alloys so popular?

The aluminum content in the earth's crust isapproximately 8.8%, and therefore he leads the list of the most common metals. Its advantages include low density (2.7 g / cm3), excellent corrosion resistance, processability, good electrical and thermal conductivity, rather high strength characteristics. Aluminum and its alloys are widely used in aviation, shipbuilding, rail transport, automotive, construction, chemical and petroleum industries, etc. Aluminum alloys are characterized by ductility, malleability, high speed processing. All this gives an excellent opportunity to apply them in almost any kind of production.

Aluminum based base alloys

By combining aluminum with alloying additives, you canachieve greater strength and improve other properties of this metal. Silicon, copper, manganese, zinc and magnesium are most often used as additives. Consider the main alloys.

Duralumin (duralumin, or simply duralumin)

Название этого соединения произошло от слова Duren - that was the name of the German city, in which in 1911 began to produce this alloy on an industrial scale. It is obtained by adding copper (2.2–5.2%), magnesium (0.2–2.7%) and manganese (0.2– 0.1%) to aluminum. After heat treatment, the metal becomes very strong (static strength reaches 450-500 MPa). In order to increase corrosion resistance, it is often clad with aluminum. Used as a structural material in the transport and aeronautical engineering.

Magnalia

These are various alloys of aluminum with magnesium and otherelements (magnesium content - 1-13%). They are characterized by high ductility, good weldability and corrosion resistance. Used for the manufacture of shaped castings, wires, sheets, rivets, etc.

Silumin

This compound is obtained by combining aluminum withsilicon (silicon content - 4-13%). Sometimes other additives are added to it: Be, Ti, Zn, Mg, Mn, Cu. This alloy is used for the production of parts of complex construction, mainly in aircraft and automobile construction.

Aluminum and its alloys will continue to serve for a long time.the good of mankind. Proof of this is a new invention - foam aluminum or, as it is also called, “metallic foam rubber”. Many experts believe that porous aluminum has excellent prospects.