Aluminum is called the GREEN metal, as it is a very environmentally friendly metal. Aluminum is 100% recyclable indefinitely – and recycled aluminum saves 95% of the energy required to produce aluminum from raw materials.
... is today more than 90% in industrial applications such as the transport and construction industries. Due to the extreme durability and recyclability, 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use. Aluminum is truly the GREEN metal. Apart from oxygen and silicon, aluminum is the most common element on Earth. In fact, aluminum surpasses iron to be the most common metal in the Earth's crust.
... with a density of approx. 2,7 g per cm3. In comparison, aluminum is only 33% of the weight of iron.
Today, aluminum is one of the most used metals due to its many superior properties. In addition to being light, aluminum is also strong, durable and, due to its flexibility and malleability, can be shaped into extruded profiles, rolled sheets or cast items. This makes aluminum very useful in many applications from automobiles to construction and for various product designs, etc. By adding small amounts of alloys – such as magnesium, silicon, manganese, zinc and copper – to the aluminum, the physical and mechanical properties can be improved. This enables the design of aluminum for a specific purpose or use.
... against corrosion, as it reacts with the oxygen in the air and forms a thin protective oxide layer of approx. 0,2 µm. However, the corrosion resistance is reduced by various factors such as moisture, fluctuating temperatures, harsh environments including e.g. sea and coastal areas as well as from dust from alkaline building materials such as concrete. In addition, chemicals such as acids, bases and chloride-containing solutions can be mentioned.
… ensures, similar to the natural process, a protective layer. However, the corrosion resistance is significantly improved, as the anodizing technique enables a controlled and protective crystalline structure of up to 100 µm thickness. Anodizing will significantly improve the corrosion resistance, finish, appearance and durability of aluminum.
