Aluminium metal powders



















Aluminum Metal Powder

Aluminum metal powder is a fine granular powder made from powdered Aluminum. Initially, It is made up of flakes mechanically using a stamp mill. Then in the 1920s, E.J.Hall developed a method to spray molten Aluminum into a droplet powder. In the 1920s, E.J. Hall developed a method for producing a droplet-like powder by pouring molten Aluminum, and this powder was crushed in a ball mill to form flakes that could be used as paint or pigments. Aluminum metal powder (non-coated) is also called aluminum powder, Aluminum, aluminum flake, aluminum metal. Powdered Aluminum is a light silver-white to gray odorless powder. It is a reactive combustible substance.

How does Aluminum Improve material properties?

Because pure Aluminum is relatively expensive, it is rarely used. Instead, this substance is used to strengthen other materials. For example, using aluminum powder as an additive in casting and compression can improve specific material properties. These are mainly:
  • Impact resistance
  • Pressure resistance
  • Thermal conductivity
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Fit for food use
  • Lightweight
In particular, in the case of high-stress parts that are partially exposed to adverse conditions, Aluminum can improve performance. The favorable properties can quickly be passed on to the desired position when used as an alloy.

Disadvantages of aluminum powder

In addition to energy consumption and cost, one of the main things to consider when using aluminum powder is the risks associated with its processing. Even at room temperature, the ultra-fine Aluminum immediately reacts with oxygen, so it is necessary to introduce appropriate safety measures to the company and ensure that the employees are trained professionals. In this context, various sources of risk are essential.
  • Aluminum powder is flammable and combustible.
  • When aluminum powder mixes in the air, it can cause a dust explosion.
  • When the powder reaches into touch with water, acid, or alkali, hydrogen with high flammability can occur.
  • It also reacts with nitrates, sulfates, and other oxidizing agents and risks fire and explosion.
  • When static electricity is generated, discharge can occur, and aluminum dust can ignite.
 

Applications of Aluminum metal Powder

  • Slurry and Explosives
Aluminum is utilized in a diversity of applications, including the manufacture of slurry, explosives, and explosive devices; the use of thermites in special weldings such as iron alloys and rails; and the manufacture of pyrotechnics such as crackers and sparkles; aluminum paste, paint, and various powder components used in automobiles. Aluminum powder is not particularly harmful when inhaled and only causes mild inflammation.
  • Fireworks
Aluminum metal powder is very versatile. Because it is flammable, it is ideal for fireworks and pyrotechnics. It is also operated in the production of metallic colors and solar cells in the green energy field. The high purity and excellent 250 mesh aluminum metal powders are suitable for various applications such as resin casting (cold cast), decorative coating, powder metallurgy, etc. Aluminum powder can also be added to resins and gel coats to change thermal properties.
  • Alkyl Catalysts
Aluminum powders are used as alkyl catalysts in producing blasting agents, rocket fuels, and biodegradable detergents as precursors of aluminum hydroxide and aluminum glycate, components of deodorizers, and antiperspirants, as pigments for epoxy fillers, paints, and inks. In 2000, about 1,200 tons were used for metallurgical applications, accounting for 2-3% of the shipments of aluminum powder in the United States.
  • Protective Coating
Aluminum powdered is utilized in coatings, pigments, shielding coatings, printing inks, missile powers, explosives, abrasives, ceramics, manufacturing inorganic and organic aluminum chemicals, catalysts, etc.  The coarse powder is used for aluminothermic (thermit reaction).  

Conclusion

Powdered Aluminum is used to manufacture many types of explosives and fireworks. It is also utilized in the production of specific electronic devices. Powdered Aluminum is contained in many paints and sealants. It is used in products intended to carry current, like solar cells. Rocket fuels are often made of Aluminum, and many solid rocket fuels are based on the chemical reaction of this metal.