Aluminum, a metal that finds its extensive use in almost every sphere of modern life, from soda cans to space shuttles, has a rich and intriguing history. Its journey from being more valuable than gold to becoming a vital part of our daily lives is truly fascinating.
Aluminum: A Glimpse into its Characteristics
Being the third most common element in the Earth’s crust, Aluminum is a lightweight, highly conductive, reflective, and non-toxic metal. Its ability to be easily machined coupled with its durability and numerous beneficial properties, make it an ideal material for myriad industrial applications.
Aluminum: Tracing Back its History
The use of aluminum compounds dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians used it for dyes, cosmetics, and medicines. However, it was not until the 19th century that the pure metallic form of aluminum was discovered. This was largely due to the fact that aluminum never occurs naturally in metallic form and is usually found combined with other elements.
The Early Attempts at Extraction
In 1807, the English chemist Sir Humphrey Davy identified the existence of the element and named it ‘Alumium’, which later evolved into ‘Aluminium’ in most English-speaking countries, and ‘Aluminum’ in the United States. Despite his efforts, Davy failed to produce aluminum by electrolyzing a fused mixture of aluminum oxide and potash.
The Breakthrough in Aluminum Production
The discovery that revolutionized the production of aluminum came in 1825. Danish physicist H.C. Oersted managed to produce the first nodules of aluminum by heating potassium amalgam with aluminum. However, it was not until 1845 when German scientist Friedrich Wöhler produced small balls of solidified molten aluminum, thereby setting the stage for the industrial use of aluminum.
The Emergence of the Hall-Héroult Process
In 1886, American scientist Charles Martin Hall and French engineer Paul Héroult independently discovered the modern method for producing aluminum using electrolytic reduction. This process involved dissolving alumina in molten cryolite and extracting aluminum by electrolysis. This method brought forth a drastic reduction in the cost of aluminum and marked the beginning of the commercial production of the metal.
Aluminum: From Luxury to a Commercial Commodity
Before the development of the Hall-Héroult process, aluminum was considered a luxury item, even more valuable than gold. Post the discovery, the price of aluminum witnessed a drastic fall, making it an affordable commercial commodity. By 1890, the cost of aluminum had tumbled by 80% from its original prices.
Rise in Aluminum Production
With the advent of the Hall-Héroult process, aluminum production saw a significant surge. In 1888, Hall co-founded the Pittsburgh Reduction Company (now known as Alcoa), the world’s largest producer of aluminum. Simultaneously, Héroult scaled up the process in France, leading to a substantial increase in aluminum production.
Aluminum in Aviation and Spaceflight
The advent of aluminum played a vital role in the development of aviation and space exploration. It was used in the structural components of aircraft, automobiles, trains, and boats. The aluminum alloys’ light weight and strength made them ideal for constructing aircraft bodies and components.
In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright used an alloy of aluminum and copper for the engine block of their Wright Flyer, enabling it to take off. By the end of the 1920s, aluminum had become the dominant material in aviation. NASA also used aluminum alloys for the Apollo moon missions, and it continues to be used in the construction of modern space vehicles.
Aluminum in Everyday Life
Over the years, the use of aluminum has extended to various aspects of everyday life. It is used in packaging materials, construction applications, and long-distance conductor lines. Aluminum foil has become a standard packaging material for food, while aluminum’s durability and resistance to corrosion have made it ideal for construction applications like windows and door frames, roofing, siding, and structural framing.
The Environmental Impact of Aluminum Production
Despite the numerous advantages of aluminum, its production has an environmental cost. The process of obtaining aluminum from alumina requires a significant amount of electricity, leading to the production of large quantities of greenhouse gases. Aluminum production alone is responsible for about 1% of global emissions.
The Future of Aluminum
The demand for aluminum is expected to exceed 80 million tonnes in 2023, driven by further urbanization and industrialization. As aluminum continues to replace heavier steel in the automotive industry and more expensive copper in electrical engineering, its applications are expected to expand. Moreover, ongoing technical advancements promise to increase environmental and economic efficiency in aluminum production.
Conclusion
The historical significance of aluminum lies not just in its discovery but also in its transformation from a precious metal to an essential part of modern life. Its diverse applications, from construction to aviation, and its ongoing role in technological advancements, underscore its enduring relevance in the world today. While aluminum continues to shape our present, it also promises to play a pivotal role in our future.