An aluminum-based substance having undergone a particular procedure is aluminium oxide plate. Its surface develops a layer of Alumina Sheet coating to increase material's decorativeness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. One of the essential elements in contemporary industry and architectural embellishment, aluminium oxide plate finds use in many different sectors.
Aluminium oxide plate's manufacturing technique
Usually performed by anodising or chemical oxidation, both processes have particular applications and benefits.
Anodising
Alumina Sheet plates are most often treated surface-wise by anodising. Immersion of the aluminium plate in an electrolyte (such as sulphuric acid, chromic acid or oxalic acid) causes the aluminium plate to function as an anode forming a layer of Alumina Sheet film under the action of current. Usually, this procedure consists of the following phases:
surface cleaning: The surface of the aluminium plate must be completely cleaned before oxidation to guarantee the homogeneity of the oxidation process.
The aluminium plate is submerged in an electrolyte and a particular current is applied to cause an oxidation process on the aluminium surface therefore producing an aluminium oxide coating.
Afterwards treatment: To improve the corrosion resistance and decorateness of the film layer after oxidation, dyeing, sealing, and other treatments may also be done.
Anodising generates typically between 5 and 20 micron film thickness. Hard anodising may be used to raise the coating thickness to 60 to 200 microns in cases with increased wear resistance and protection needed. Industrial items with high wear resistance demands find great application for this kind of thick film.
Chemical oxidation:
Through chemical reaction, chemical oxidation produces an oxide deposit on the surface of Alumina Sheet. Although its corrosion resistance and wear resistance are weaker than those of anodised film, this film layer is typically thinner and its adsorption is excellent, therefore it is appropriate for uses with high demand for colouring or adhesion performance.
Two often used forms of chemical oxidation films are phosphoric acid film and chromic acid film. This kind of film forms without depending on current and may be produced using basic chemical solutions. Though its film hardness and light resistance are somewhat worse, chemical oxidation is less expensive than anodising.
Both physical and chemical characteristics
The special production technique of aluminium oxide plate results in outstanding physical and chemical qualities. Several noteworthy characteristics of aluminium oxide plate follow:
Hardness and wear resistance
Following anodising, Alumina Sheet plate's surface hardness rises dramatically and ranges from 250 to 500 kg/mm2. In many uses, this great hardness gives the aluminium oxide plate superior wear resistance and scratch resistance. For instance, it can maintain a long-lasting smooth surface for manufacturing of aviation and car components.
resistance to heat
Alumina Sheet film has a high melting point, hence the hard anodised film may even survive at 1600°C. For uses in high temperature surroundings, like heat sinks or heat-resistant protective elements of electronic equipment, it is therefore especially appropriate.
Quality of electrical insulation
The electrical and electronic sectors make extensive use of aluminium oxide film as it offers superior electrical insulation. Especially in precise tools and electronic consumer goods, it may guarantee safety and shield circuit boards from outside influence.
Chemical inertness and resistive corrosion
It is very ideal for usage in humid or corrosive surroundings as it is extremely chemically inert, not easy to react chemically with other substances, and can efficiently withstand the erosion of different chemicals. In maritime situations, for instance, architectural embellishment and structural components often call for aluminium oxide plates.
Applications areas
Its many qualities make it quite useful in many different sectors. Several main application areas are listed here:
Technical production
Parts in mechanical equipment may be made using aluminium oxide plates. Such components need very high wear resistance and hardness, so anodising aluminium sheets makes them especially excellent in these features. For instance, aluminium sheets are used in gearbox devices, guide rails, bearing seats, etc. to prolong their service lifetime.
Manufacturing of automobiles and aircraft
Particularly for components with great demands for heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and weight management, it is extensively used in aviation and automotive manufacture. It is used, for instance, in aircraft shells, car engine components, brakes, etc., which may lighten sections while preserving structural strength, hence increasing fuel economy.
decorative architecture
Its great look, wide range of colours, and corrosion resistance have made it one of the perfect materials for contemporary architectural decorating. Often used in curtain walls, roofing, doors, windows and other interior and outdoor décor events, anodised aluminium sheets can survive UV radiation and exterior corrosion during long-term usage while keeping a brilliant look.
consumer technologies
Heat resistance and insulation enable its extensive use in consumer electronics. Aluminium sheets are used in the shells of mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and other products to guarantee their longevity and attractiveness as well as to have strong heat dissipation ability.
Production and market
Alumina Sheet demand on a worldwide level is still rising today. Industry data indicates that 368 aluminium sheet producers worldwide, mostly from Asia and Europe and the United States. Several main features of the aluminium sheet market are listed below:
Manufacturers and quality guidelines
Manufacturers keep developing and raising the quality of their products as the market need for high-performance aluminium sheets rises. One of the significant domestic aluminium sheet producers, China Foshan Tai Aluminium New Materials Co., Ltd., for instance, has several patented technologies and modern continuous anodising production lines, which can offer customised solutions for many uses.
To guarantee product stability and dependability to deal with demanding industrial and architectural contexts, high-grade aluminium sheet goods must satisfy certain international requirements including ISO 9001 quality management system certification.
Applied Trends
As environmental consciousness grows, the market for sustainable materials has progressively grown as well. It satisfies certain environmental requirements and is quite recyclable. Many businesses are progressively using low-energy consumption and high-efficiency manufacturing techniques to lower carbon emissions and satisfy world energy conservation and emission targets.
Other traits
Apart from the above mentioned qualities, it also has certain additional ones that improve its relevance in several sectors.
Thermal Insulation and Thermal Conductivity
Although alumina sheets have a certain thermal conductivity, anodised alumina sheets have greater thermal insulating qualities than pure aluminium, which makes them very fit for temperature-sensitive applications.
Impact resistance and great stability of temperature
Although it can survive temperatures up to 1600°C and demonstrates rather great stability in high temperature surroundings, its thermal shock resistance is somewhat weak, hence extra protective measures are needed in surroundings with regular temperature variations. Excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and electrical insulating qualities define this high-performance aluminum-based material. One may finish its manufacturing by either chemical oxidation or anodising. To satisfy various industrial and architectural requirements, several techniques generate oxide films with variable thicknesses and properties. In the domains of aircraft, cars, architectural decoration, and electrical consumer items, alumina sheets are among the absolutely essential materials.
As market demand rises and technology develops, alumina sheet manufacturing is also being refined to increase their environmental friendliness and sustainability. Alumina sheets will find fresh uses in additional sectors going forward, thereby offering contemporary industry more opportunities.