How do you get al2o3

Most of the aluminium oxide produced is used to form aluminium metal. Oxygen typically catalyses corrosion in reaction with the metal aluminium. However, when bonded with oxygen to form aluminium oxide, a protective coating forms and prevents further oxidation. This adds strength and makes the material less vulnerable to deterioration [6]. It is also used in lab equipment and tools like crucibles, furnaces and other labware [1]. Aluminium oxide is also used in synthetic-sapphire bulletproof windows and ballistics [1].

Its high melting and boiling points, in addition to its excellent thermal resistive properties, make aluminium oxide desirable in the manufacture of high-temperature furnace insulations and electrical insulators.

Alumina films are also vital components in the microchip industry. Some of its other uses include spark plug insulators, micro-electric substrates and insulating heatsinks [1]. Aluminium oxide is a valuable element in the formation of rubies and sapphires. Its crystalline form, corundum, is the base element for these precious gems. Rubies owe their deep red colour to chromium impurities while sapphires get their variant colours from traces of iron and titanium [6]. Since alumina is chemically inert, it is utilised as a filler in plastics, bricks, and other heavy clayware, like kilns.

Due to its extreme strength and hardness, it is often used as an abrasive for sandpaper. It is also an economical substitute for industrial diamonds [6]. Aluminium oxides are used, as well, for the production of piping components such as elbows, tees, straight pipes, hydro cyclones, reducers, nozzles, and valves. Other applications include the production of various machining tools, cutting tools, thermocouple sheaths, wear-resistant pump impellers, and baffle plates [1].

We connect engineers, product designers and procurement teams with the best materials and suppliers for their job. Accept all Open cookie settings. Sign in Register. Categories Biological Material. Engineering Ceramic. Oxide ions lose electrons at the positive electrodes and are oxidised to oxygen gas:. This oxygen reacts with the carbon of the positive electrodes, forming carbon dioxide, so they gradually burn away.

As a result, the positive electrodes have to be replaced frequently. This adds to the cost of the process. There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing the site of an aluminium extraction plant. Jump to main content. Jump to site search. You do not have JavaScript enabled. Please enable JavaScript to access the full features of the site or access our non-JavaScript page. Issue , From the journal: RSC Advances. Scott a and J. Dennis b. This article is Open Access. During electrolysis:.

The oxygen reacts with the carbon in the electrodes, forming carbon dioxide which bubbles off. Carbon is therefore lost from the positive electrodes, so they must be replaced frequently. This adds to the cost of the process.

Extracting metals using electrolysis Metals are found in ores combined with other elements.