ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the properties of aluminium and its alloys, now no longer the 'luxury' metal. The modern electrolytic process for extracting aluminium was introduced simultaneously and independently in 1886 by Hall and Heroult. Since then, the demands by both air- and land-transport vehicles for a light, strong material have led to the development of aluminium technology and an increase in the production of the metal, until now it is second only to iron in terms of annual world production. In practice it has an excellent resistance to corrosion, although aluminium has a high affinity for oxygen, and might therefore be expected to oxidise or corrode very easily. The fact that aluminium has a high thermal conductivity and good corrosion-resistance, and that any corrosion products which are formed are non-poisonous, makes aluminium very suitable for the manufacture of domestic cooking-utensils such as kettles, saucepans and frying pans.
