Aluminum can be made stronger through anodizing, a process where it is placed in a chemical acid bath and oxidized to form a hard coating. Anodized aluminum is used in buildings, cookware, satellites, and more due to its durability. It is non-conductive and popular for food service and industrial applications.
Many metals are structurally weakened by the oxidation process, but not aluminum. Aluminum can actually be made stronger and more durable through a process called “anodizing.” Anodizing involves placing aluminum foil in a bath of chemical acid, most often acetone in laboratory experiments. The aluminum foil becomes the positive anode of a chemical battery and the acid bath becomes the negative. An electric current passes through the acid, causing the aluminum surface to oxidize (essentially rust). Oxidized aluminum forms a strong coating as it replaces the original aluminum on the surface. The result is an extremely hard substance called anodized aluminum.
Anodized aluminum can be nearly as hard as diamond with the right anodizing process. Many modern buildings use anodized aluminum where the metal structure is exposed to the elements. Anodized aluminum is also a popular material for making high-end cookware such as skillets and pots. The heat is distributed evenly over the anodized aluminum and the anodizing process provides a natural protective finish. Another electroplating process can be used to make anodized aluminum look like copper or brass or other metals. Special dyes can also be used to color anodized aluminum for decorative uses.
Because of its strength and durability, anodized aluminum is also used in a number of other applications. Many of the satellites that circle the Earth are protected from space debris by layers of anodized aluminum. The automotive industry relies heavily on anodized aluminum for finishes and protective housings for exposed parts. Furniture designers often use anodized aluminum as a frame for outdoor pieces and as a base metal for lamps and other decorative items. Modern home appliances and computer systems can use anodized aluminum as a protective housing.
Anodized aluminum may not be appropriate for all applications due to its non-conductive nature. Unlike other metals such as iron, the oxidation process does not appear to weaken aluminum. The “aluminium rust” layer is still part of the original aluminum and will not transfer to the food or flake easily under stress. This makes it especially popular for food service and industrial applications where durability is of the essence.
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