10 Interesting Facts About Aluminum That You Might Not Know

Aluminium (which is known as aluminum in American and Canadian English) is a chemical element with the chemical symbol Al and atomic number 13. And Aluminum has a density that is lower than the density of other common metals and it is soft, non-magnetic, and ductile. So, if you have ever used it, then you would love to know some interesting facts about aluminum. 

Aluminum is mainly found on our planet in rocks in the crust. And most of the aluminum produced is generally consumed in transportation, construction, and packaging industries around the world. So, here are 10 fun and interesting facts about aluminum that you need to know. 

1. Aluminum Does Not Rust

Aluminum does not rust in moist conditions, as aluminum and most aluminum alloys don’t contain iron or contain almost no iron, however, it will oxidize. Because when the alloy is exposed to water, a natural layer of aluminum oxide forms quickly on the surface and it protects the surface.

This hard aluminum oxide layer is resistant to further corrosion and prevents the metal below from coming into contact with the air and oxygen of the atmosphere. Because of that, aluminum is a very popular choice of material for mainly outdoor applications where moisture can be a problem. Also, aluminum products can easily withstand rain, humidity, and snow without rusting.

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2. Aluminum Is One Of The Most Recycled Materials

Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials on our earth and when it is recycled, almost all of the metal can be reused in other applications without creating any waste.

And approximately 75 percent of all aluminum produced in history is still in use today because aluminum can be recycled over and over again without any significant loss of quality. Also, recycling aluminum saves up to 95 percent of the energy it takes to produce primary or new aluminum.

fun facts about aluminum

3. There Is More Aluminum Than Iron In Our World

Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust, after oxygen and silicon, which means only oxygen and silicon exist in greater amounts than aluminum in the earth’s crust. Thus, there is more aluminum in our world than iron.

4. Aluminum Is A Good Reflector Of Light And Heat

Aluminum is a good reflector of both visible light and heat and due to its low weight, it becomes an ideal material for reflectors in light fittings or rescue blankets. And due to its high reflectivity, aluminum is also used in the manufacturing of telescopes.

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5. Aluminum Is Strong And Lightweight

One of the cool fun facts about aluminum is that products made of aluminum weigh only one-third of those made of steel, as aluminum has a density that measures at about one-third the density of steel.

Thus, aluminum is strong and lightweight. And because of that, it is used mostly in applications where high strength and low weight are required. Also, Aluminum’s low weight reduces energy consumption during transportation. And it makes it a versatile choice of material.

fun facts about aluminum

6. Aluminum Was “Metal Of Kings” 

Aluminum was known as the “Metal Of Kings” in the mid-19th century, as aluminum was more precious than gold and silver. This was because of its rarity and brilliant shine and pure aluminum was also more expensive to produce than gold.

Napoleon III served only his most honored and high-status dinner guests on aluminum plates and the rest of his guests or normal guests on plates of gold and silver.

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7. Aluminum Foil Is Ideal For Food Preservation

Aluminum foil can reflect both heat and light and it is completely impermeable, which means no light, taste, or aroma gets in or out. Because of that, it is ideal for food preservation. And aluminum foil is widely used in the food industry because proper food conservation also creates less waste.

8. Aluminum Is Most Common Non-ferrous Metal On Earth

Aluminum is the most widely used metal after iron or the most common non-ferrous metal on our planet. It has found widespread use due to its machinability, malleability, electrical conductivity, and ability to form alloys with almost all other metals.

9. Aluminum Is A “Young” Metal

Aluminum is one of the youngest commercial metals when compared to other non-ferrous metals. Because aluminum has been used as a commercial metal for just over 150 years, but copper has been around for more than 9,000 years. Thus, aluminum can be considered a “young” metal.

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10. Modern Planes Use Aluminum Alloys

In modern aircraft manufacture, most of the materials used are aluminum. And many modern planes use aluminum alloys for their production and aluminum is ideal for aircraft manufacture because it is lightweight and strong. It allows an aircraft to carry more weight and become more fuel efficient. 

These are 10 interesting facts about aluminum. 

FAQ: 10 Fun And Interesting Facts About Aluminum

Here I have given brief answers to some of the most important questions related to aluminum. 

Q1. Is Aluminum Used In Airplanes?

Ans: Most of the materials used in modern aircraft manufacturing are aluminum. As aluminum is lightweight and strong, it is ideal for aircraft manufacturing and most modern planes use aluminum alloys for their production.

Q2. Why Is Aluminum So Widely Used?

Ans: Aluminum is the most widely used metal after iron on our planet. It is so widely used due to its machinability, malleability, electrical conductivity, and ability to form alloys with almost all other metals.

Q3. How Abundant Is Aluminum?

Ans: Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust, after oxygen and silicon and it is also the most abundant metallic element. It means that there is more aluminum in our world than iron.

Q4. Is Aluminum A Good Recyclable?

Ans: Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials on our earth. And it can be recycled over and over again without any significant loss of quality. Also recycling aluminum saves up to 95 percent of the energy it takes to produce new aluminum.

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Sayan Banerjee
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