ABSTRACT
Aluminum is a silver-white metal listed in Group 3 of the periodic table. It is the most abundant metal element on Earth. The first impure metallic aluminum was isolated in 1824 in a chemical laboratory. The present industrial method of aluminum production was discovered simultaneously in France and Ohio. The production and consumption of aluminum by country are given in References 1 and 2, respectively. The U.S. has the greatest potential supply of aluminum, which is approximately equal to 4.56 x 106 tons (4.14 x 106 m-tons).3,4
In recent years, the aluminum market growth has been defined by different industries. For example, in the building and construction industry, alloys such as 3003, 3004, and 3005 series are widely employed for residential and industrial siding, roofing, gutters, and down-spouts. A 6063
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alloy is often used for fabrication of doors and windows. Different alloys are widely used for commercial and military aircraft,' and in the automotive industry. The demand for aluminum, especially the secondary aluminum segment, is predicted to grow significantly.° This reemphasizes the need for optimization of the processes used for aluminum production.
