Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. It ranks second, next only to Iron (steel), in terms of volumes used due to its versatility, which stems from its excellent and diverse range of physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Aluminium, which is only one-third the weight of steel is highly resistant to most forms of corrosion, is non-magnetic, non-combustible, is non-toxic and impervious (hence used in the food and packaging industries) and is also a superb conductor of electricity. Other valuable properties include high reflectivity, heat barrier properties and heat conduction. The metal is malleable and easily worked by the common manufacturing and shaping processes.
Uses of aluminium metal are as follows:-
(i) In construction- windows, doors, cladding, weather-proofing, light constructions such as conservatories and canopies.
(ii) In transport- auto, aerospace, rail and marine industries.
(iii) Packaging- protection, storage and preparation for food and drinks.
(iv) Electrical uses- overhead conductors and underground power-lines and power cables.
(v) Water treatment and medicine-antacid to combat gastric upsets, anti-perspirants.
(vi) Machineries and Equipments.
(vii) Castings- Domestic Utensils.
In India the electrical sector is the largest consumer of aluminium. Bulk of the Aluminium usage is in overhead conductors and power cables used in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Aluminium is used in switchboards, coil windings, capacitors, and many other applications as well.
The global aluminium production which was 399.00 lakh tonnes in 2008 fell to 377.81 lakh tonnes in 2009, as per CRU Monitor-Aluminium. The Global aluminium production is forecast to increase by about 2% i.e. to 385.00 lakhs tonnes in 2010. The world aluminium consumption in 2008 and 2009 was 376.68 lakh tonnes and 343.41 lakh tonnes respectively. India produced 12.33 lakh tonnes aluminium in 2007-08 and 13.48 lakh tonnes in 2008-09 which approximately was a little over 3% of world production.
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