Aluminum Physical Properties: Advantages of Light & Strong Metal

The Aluminum Advantage

Why Is Aluminum Such a Popular &Versatile Metal?

Aluminum is the second most popular metal in the world, after iron. Its popularity comes from its versatility, dependability, affordability and more recently, sustainability. Ideal for a variety of applications as diverse as pop cans to engine blocks, aluminum's usefulness is made more ideal by its ability to be almost completely recycled.

Production costs are lower than ever
Non-toxicity is perfect for packaging food
Very high corrosion resistance
Low density makes it very lightweight
Malleability makes for each of use in manufacturing
Almost completely recyclable

Observable Form & Structure

Discover the Physical Properties of Pure Aluminum

Interested in an even deeper dive on what makes Aluminum such an interesting metal? Its many unique properties have made Aluminum popular for use in such a wide variety of applications. Take a look at some of the facts:

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Colour & State

Solid, nonmagnetic and non-lustrous. Silvery-white with light bluish tint.
Structure

Face-centered cubic structure that's stable up to melting point.
Reflectivity

Surfaces are generally highly-reflective.
Hardness

Commercially pure aluminum is soft (strengthened when alloyed).
Ductility

High ductility (can be beaten very thin).
Malleability

High malleability (very capable of being shaped or bent).
Thermal Expansion

23.2 thermal expansion coefficient (value between zinc and steel).
Conductivity

Good electrical and thermal conductor.
Corrosion

Corrosive resistant due to a self-protecting oxide layer.
Density

Low density of 2.70 g/cm³ (about 1/3 that of steel).
Melting Point

Melting point of 1,221 °F / 660.3 °C (commercially pure aluminum).
Boiling Point

Boiling point of 4,478 °F / 2,470 °C (commercially pure aluminum).