Atomic and Molecular Structure

Aluminum Oxide – Definition, Uses, and Characteristics

Introduction to Aluminum Oxide 

Aluminum oxide is a solid crystalline powder. It is essentially a compound which is formed with the help of oxygen plus aluminum. Despite having a metallic name, it is said to be ceramic.

Moreover, it is the chief characteristic that produces a high rate of aluminum’s corrosion resistance. Furthermore, it forms aluminum metal material after being exposed to air. It also closely sticks to the thin protective layer on its surface which is formed.

aluminum oxide

Uses of Aluminium Oxide

Aluminum oxide is commonly used in the engineering processes. It has very lightweight which makes it easier to use in making airplanes.

Further, it has a high boiling point plus reacts slowly with oxygen, making it perfect for cooking pans. The industrial uses of aluminum oxide include certain types of lighting, like sodium-vapor lamps.

Further, the evolving nanotechnology industry draws upon aluminum oxide as a conductor of electricity in microscopic circuits. Experts can design it into filaments finer than a human hair making them useful for DNA filtration work as well.

Furthermore, we also use it extensively in the ceramic industry. It is a great insulating substance as well making it suitable for this industry. We produced porous ceramics using it which we can use and reuse for a lot of purposes.

Aluminum oxide also comes in great use for the manufacturing of refractories. The low reactivity with the acids and the high boiling point makes it fit for this purpose.

Moreover, we also use them in the composition of thermal test machines. Further, it also serves the electronics industry greatly like in making regulators and capacitors.

Moreover, Aluminum oxide also helps greatly in coating titanium oxide. This is basically a compound that comes in use for paints and plastic papers. Subsequently, they also come in great use in the welding industry for making fillers.

Properties of Aluminium Oxide

Aluminum oxide is basically a powder that is white in colour and is odourless. It is not toxic; however, the airborne aluminum oxide can d

efinitely cause industrial hazards.

This is why we advise wearing masks in case of exposure for long. It is also very heavy and one cube of it weighs around 7,000 lbs.

It is very easy for machines to form hard and wear-resistant materials. That is why it is great for several industrial uses. For instance, its use takes place in wire guides, machinery seals, and metering devices as well.

Moreover, it does not dissolve in water and has a high melting point which is 2,000 C. On the other hand, the boiling point is also quite high which goes up to 5,400 F.

Further, it does not react freely with most materials; however, it is quite reactive to ethylene oxide. Similarly, if we mix aluminum oxide with this chemical, it can cause a fire.

Aluminum oxide is quite hard in structure and we can easily compare this solidness to that of a diamond. This means it has great wear-resistance characteristics.

Other than that, it does not corrode easily and has high-temperature stability. Moreover, it has a low-thermal expansion plus a favourable stiffness-to-weight ratio.

Solved Question for You

Question- What is the melting point of Aluminum oxide?

A. 2,572 °C
B.1,132 °C
C. 2,715 °C
D. 2,072 °C

Answer- The correct answer is option D. Aluminum oxide has a melting point of 2,072 °C. It is insoluble in water which makes the temperature so high.

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