The versatility of aluminium
Aluminium is the metal of choice for a myriad of applications, in large part due to the wide range of properties (e.g., physical, chemical, electrical) that can be engineered through changes in alloy chemistry. Precise tuning of alloy properties for demanding applications, such as in the aerospace and automotive sectors, calls for equally precise control of chemical composition of the molten alloy, prior to casting and subsequent mechanical and/or thermal treatment.
Among the most common alloying elements in aluminium alloys are silicon, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc. Many alloys also require careful control of specific elements that are present in smaller concentrations, e.g., for influencing phase formation during solidification, preventing structural defects during casting, improving electrical conductivity or corrosion resistance, or to avoid harmful chemicals in food packaging, to name a few examples. With increased aluminium recycling also comes the need to understand the effects of additional elements introduced into the production process due to imperfect separation or liberation in recycling streams.
By Kristjan Leosson, Chief Technology Officer at DTE