Aluminum is practically the most widespread, ductile and light metal, which has a light gray color with a white sheen.
This metal is distinguished by its useful characteristics:
- resistant to environmental influences and corrosion. Such protection of the metal is provided by a thin oxide film, which is formed as a result of the interaction of aluminum with air;
- has a low density, therefore it is very light;
- it has a high plasticity, thanks to which it is easy to process it by mechanical means, to cast and form;
- has high heat and electrical conductivity;
- absolutely non-toxic.
We can say that aluminum is a natural metal, because it occurs in the form of various compounds: nepheline, bauxite, alumina, alunite, corundum, and so on. Aluminum can be alloyed with almost any other metal. Its use is very popular today in alloys with copper, zinc, nickel, magnesium, iron and titanium.
Aluminum, like other metals, can be returned at collection points. However, aluminum scrap must meet certain requirements:
- dimensions of packages of aluminum and alloys should not exceed 40x40x70 cm;
- individual pieces of aluminum cannot exceed 1 m in each of the three dimensions, while poor quality aluminum should be no more than 1x1x2 m;
- aluminum scrap is accepted by net weight (that is, the packaging in which you brought it is not taken into account), but which includes other alloy components.
Where is aluminum and its alloys used today?
Due to its good properties and relatively low price, in comparison with the cost of other non-ferrous metals, aluminum is used in various areas of production and human life. Aluminum scrap, which today can be handed over to collection points, is recycled and then used in:
- shipbuilding, automobile and aircraft construction. It can be used to make radar masts, ladders, hulls and other spare parts;
- industrial and civil construction. It is used to make window frames, building frames, stairs and trusses;
- the food industry, where containers for preservation and storage or utensils are made from it;
- when creating semiconductors, in nuclear power and other new areas of technology;
- electrical industry. It's no secret that today, for example, house wiring is made of aluminum cables;
- in the chemical industry and other areas of production.
Due to this popularity, aluminum and some of its alloys ranked second in the widespread use of this metal by humans.
In the modern world, aluminum scrap, the price of which is constantly changing, is today considered one of the most recyclable metals. After processing, it practically does not lose its physical and mechanical properties.
