Aluminum was originally unearthed by Sir Humphrey Davy in England in 1808.Today, aluminum occupies an important place in the industrial world, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries.The aluminum is light, strong and malleable, making it extremely popular with manufacturers.Aluminum’s history, characteristics and effects make it an interesting topic for students to explore.
It is thought that aluminum was discovered in 1762, although it was not isolated until 1825.The first aluminum ingot, or block, was created in France in 1845.Since then, production and uses of aluminum have grown exponentially.Today, aluminum is produced from bauxite ore in several ways, the most popular being the Hall–Héroult process.This process involves the electrolysis of alumina in an electrolytic cell.The aluminum is then cast into ingots, bars, sheets and other shapes.
Aluminum is lighter than many metals, but is strong and malleable, making it ideal for use in transportation, packaging and construction.It is also a great conductor of electricity, and is often used in electrical wiring and aircraft components.The unique properties of aluminum, such as its ability to reflect light and conduct heat, make it a popular metal for use in things like cookware, solar panels, electronics and sporting goods.
The environmental effects of aluminum production and use are complex.On one hand, aluminum production from bauxite ore releases carbon dioxide, creating greenhouse gases and contributing to global climate change.On the other hand, aluminum also offers solutions for reducing climate change through its light weight and malleability.In transportation, for example, aluminum is used to reduce the weight of vehicles and thus the fuel they use.In addition, aluminum is 100 percent recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Aluminum’s importance in the industrial world is clear.It is a strong yet malleable metal that has numerous applications in various industries.It is also recyclable, making it a sustainable material for many purposes.Considering all of these qualities, it is easy to see why aluminum is such an important material in the modern world.
