Aluminum Production and Material Properties

Obtention of Metals

Metals are extracted from ore found in mines. This process involves several stages to obtain pure aluminum. The enrichment of the mineral prepares the mined product for subsequent actions. The main processes of enrichment include:

• Crushing: Mechanically reducing the size of the rocks.
• Concentration: Separating the ore from waste material using physical means.
• Reduction: Extracting the maximum amount of the desired chemical element.
• Refinement: Achieving maximum purity.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up about 7%. Although abundant, it is difficult to obtain. It is produced through electrolysis in a cryolite bath, which is relatively inexpensive. The process has two main phases: obtaining alumina and then obtaining aluminum from alumina.

Properties of Aluminum

• Low density
• Good electrical conductor
• Ductile
• Soft
• Resistant to corrosion
• Melting point: 660°C

Applications of Aluminum

Aluminum is used for electrical conductors, heating elements, and cans.

Methods of Conformation for Aluminum

• Injection Molding
• Stamping
• Wire drawing
• Rolling
• Extrusion

Powder Metallurgy

Powder metallurgy is a technique used for shaping metallic materials. It is particularly useful for components that melt at very high temperatures, have extreme hardness, or possess other characteristics that make traditional procurement processes unsuitable. This method is applied when dealing with very high melting temperatures and hardness.

Procedure for Powder Metallurgy

• Powders are obtained.
• Compression or sintering is applied.

Plastics

Classification of Plastics

• Natural: Cellulose, rubber.
• Artificial: Celluloid.
• Synthetic: Polystyrene, polypropylene.

Properties of Plastics

• Lightweight
• Corrosion-resistant
• Easy to shape

Conformation Methods for Plastics

• Extrusion
• Blow molding
• Injection molding
• Foam molding
• Vacuum molding
• Compression molding
• Calendering

Molecular Structures of Polymers

Polymers can have linear or branched molecular structures (thermoplastics) or cross-linked or reticulated structures (thermosets).

Enhancing Polymer Properties

The properties of polymers can be enhanced by applying additives such as fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers, dyes, flame retardants, and mold release agents. Mechanical properties improve with increased polymerization degree, crystallinity, and cross-linking.

Classification of Polymer Applications

• Adhesives
• Fibers
• Paints
• Plastics
• Elastomers

Timber

Timber is a natural material with a complex, homogeneous structure, composed of cellulose and lignin.

Classification of Timber

• Natural: Softwood, hardwood.
• Artificial: Protected, agglomerated, laminated.

Ceramics

Ceramics include clays, cements, refractories, glass, and abrasives.

• Clay: Very abundant and plastic when wet, allowing for shaping.
• Cement: A binding substance.
• Refractories: Similar to clays, they withstand high temperatures.
• Glass: A transparent, brittle, and hard ceramic.
• Abrasives: Resistant to wear.

Fiber Production

The process of obtaining fibers involves spinning them into thread, which is then knitted into fabric.

Types of Fibers

• Plant fibers
• Animal fibers
• Artificial fibers
• Synthetic fibers