Alumina, it is a white granular material, little finer than table salt, and is chemically being called as aluminum oxide. Alumina is being extracted from Bauxite industrially with Bayer’s refining process. This process involves four stages digestion, clarification, precipitation and calcination.
Alumina is most widely known and used as the starting material for the production of aluminum. There are also wide ranges of specialty aluminas available for non-metallic applications. Due to its physical and chemical properties, so-called synthetic aluminum oxide plays essential role as a needed raw material for many market applications.
Aluminum oxide is highly heat resistance (fusion point 2050°C (3725°F)) and is an excellent thermal and electrical insulator. In its crystalline form, called corundum, its hardness makes it suitable for use as an abrasive and as a component in cutting tools. Corundum is the second hardest material after a diamond. Aluminum oxide adds great mechanical strength, has excellent resistance to corrosion and wear, and is a nontoxic material.
The conversion of alumina to specialty alumina passes various transition phases depending on the product’s application.
Among the main criteria for the selection of specialty aluminas are chemical purity—predominantly the level of soda—and the primary crystal size.
Among these are:Global demand for aluminium exceeds 50 million tonnes and is anticipated to grow to 75 million tonnes by 2020.
Demand is being driven by the increasing use of aluminium across a number of industries, including the automotive and aerospace industry, the packaging industry and in building and construction. Whilst growing urbanisation in developing economies and the recognition of the possibilities of aluminium in modern architectural design are driving demand in the construction sector.
The team at Oil Resources has the relevant experience in the alumina and aluminium markets. Its logistical and trading expertise enable it to work with market participants, offering a wide range of trading solutions.