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+--- Thread: How is aluminum different from other metals? (/Thread-How-is-aluminum-different-from-other-metals)
How is aluminum different from other metals? - askaluadmin - 02-02-2018
Weight
Aluminum is light. Its density is one third that of steel.
Strength
Aluminum is strong. Aluminum alloys have tensile strengths ranging from 70 to 700 MPa. Unlike steel, aluminum does not become brittle at low temperatures. In fact the strength of aluminum increases when cold.
Flexibility
Aluminum’s strength is combined with flexibility, meaning that it can flex under load and bounce back from the force of impacts.
Malleability
Aluminum is extremely malleable, and can be extruded into any desired shape by passing it through a die. Aluminum can be extruded either hot or cold. It can be further manipulated through bending and forming operations.
Conductivity
Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. An aluminum conductor weighs around half the equivalent copper conductor with the same conductivity.
Reflectivity
Aluminum is a good reflector of both light and heat.
Corrosion resistance
Aluminum reacts with the oxygen in the air to form a microscopically thin layer of oxide. This layer is only 4 nanometres thick but provides excellent protection against corrosion. It even repairs itself if damaged.