Aluminium, also known as aluminum, is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a silvery-white, soft, non-magnetic and ductile metal in the boron group. Aluminium is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, after oxygen and silicon, and the most abundant metal. Due to its low density and resistance to corrosion, aluminium is widely used in various applications, from construction and transportation to packaging and electrical equipment. Aluminium was first isolated by Danish physicist and chemist Hans Christian Ørsted in 1825, but it was not until the late 19th century that commercial production of the metal began. The Hall-Héroult process, developed independently by American chemist Charles Martin Hall and French engineer Paul Héroult in 1886, revolutionized the aluminium industry by allowing for the mass production of the metal at a lower cost. Aluminium has numerous applications due to its unique properties. It is lightweight, strong, and durable, making it ideal for use in aircraft, automobiles, and other transportation vehicles. It is also a good conductor of electricity, making it useful in electrical transmission lines, wiring, and electronic devices. Additionally, aluminium is non-toxic and can be easily recycled, making it a popular choice for packaging materials. Despite its many advantages, aluminium can pose health risks if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. The metal has been linked to neurological disorders and other health problems, particularly in individuals who work in industries where aluminium exposure is common.
chemical element, ductile, corrosion-resistant, Hall-Héroult process, lightweight
CITATION : "Paul Davis. 'Aluminium.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=305423 (Accessed on June 15, 2026)"
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