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Alumina

Alternate Names: Aluminum Oxide

Oxide Analysis Formula
Al2O3 100.00% 1.00
Oxide Weight 102.00
Formula Weight 102.00

Notes

Alumina (properly called aluminum oxide) powder as used in ceramics can be a white granular material (like table salt) or an exceptionally fine silky white and dense powder (depending on the type and processing method).

There are three general types of alumina: Hydrated, calcined and tabular. Within each of these there are many grades. The magnitude of industrial energy, processing and know-how put into alumina production becomes evident when one sees the great variety of grades available and realizes what it takes to make these. Aluminas vary in the amount of soda (Na2O), iron (Fe2O3) and silica (SiO2); ultimate crystal size, chemical purity and the physical properties of the powder or granules. Calcined aluminas are generally used in porcelain and whiteware bodies, low soda for electronic applications. Super high purity grades (99.99% pure) for optical and electronic applications are made using non-Bayer processes such as ammonium aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride or aluminum alkoxide. Typical bodies for use in electronic applications may contain 95% or more alumina. When hardness is required (e.g. for abrasive) purity (e.g. 99%) is considered one indicator.

Alumina oxide ceramics have very high melting temperatures and hot and cold mechanical strength and are good for abrasion and corrosion resistant applications where heat resistance is also important (compressive strength may average 250,000 psi but high purity mixes can be up to 500,000 psi!). They are among the strongest, hardest and most abrasion resistant of all ceramic materials. The strength of alumina ceramics is exceeded only by silicon carbide, boron carbide and diamond; the abrasion resistance only by diamond. They also have outstanding electrical and thermal properties (like high dielectric strength, high electrical resistance, low dielectric loss). Spark plugs, for example, are made using a high alumina porcelain (about 90%) for its insulating properties coupled with its strength, heat and thermal shock resistance. High alumina ceramics (99%+) can provide such good resistance to chemical attack that they can resist hydrofluoric acid and molten alkalis and alkali vapors. The chemical inertness of these same bodies make them ideal for making valves and seals exposed to severe corrosive and abrasive conditions. Alumina ceramics also resist the effects of radiation that can destroy other materials. Further, alumina ceramics maintain most of the above properties at elevated temperatures. Many of alumina's outstanding properties can be further enhanced by specific manufacturing methods and additives.

Since alumina is by nature refractory, alumina ceramics and alumina refractories might seem like redundant terms. However the former refers to alumina-containing bodies that have a fine grain structure and dense matrix and whose purpose is more than just resistance to temperature. The term 'high alumina ceramics' generally refers to mixes containing 85+% alumina. Some high demand applications such as furnace tubes and lab ware cross the boundaries of both alumina ceramics and alumina refractories, these are often made from 99.8% alumina mixes. 99.9% aluminas are used in super duty applications like nuclear ceramics and cutting tools. Just the standard parts that are made from alumina make an impressive list (e.g. tubes, plates, standoff insulators, bolts, nuts and washers, machinable components), but an endless range of custom components are also being made.

Microfine alumina grades have particle sizes less than 1 micron, these are used in the refractories industry to fill voids in between other particles to increase density and lower the amount of water needed.

Alumina and alumina mixes can be dry pressed, isostatic pressed, hot pressed and extruded, tape cast and injection or compress molded. However most processing and firing methods involving alumina have to be adjusted compared to those used for more traditional ceramic mixtures. High alumina bodies lack forming properties so organic and inorganic lubricants, binders, electrolytes and plasticizers are used (e.g. methyl cellulose or HPMC binder). We have had good success using 3-3.5% VeeGum, if the alumina is fine enough this produces a material that can be formed like potter's clay!

While greater quantities of alumina often improve the properties of mixes in which they are being used, it is expensive and greater quantities require higher firing. Thus a compromise between performance and cost must be reached.

The mineral corundum yields native alumina while the hydrated minerals gibbsite, diaspore, and boehmite are also found in nature. Alumina occurs as silicates in clays, feldspars, kyanite, and many other minerals. However, the principle sources of purified and hydrate alumina are native bauxite and laterite deposits.

Related Information

Links

URLs http://www.qal.com.au/a_process/process4.html
Calcination of Alumina
URLs http://www.qal.com.au/
Gladstone Alumina Refinery
URLs http://www.associatedceramics.com/alumina.htm
Associated Ceramic alumina ceramics properties page
URLs https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/18251075/on-the-influence-of-superfines-in-high-alumina-castables-elkem
The influence of superfines on high alumina castables
Materials Boron Carbide
Materials Silicon Carbide
Materials Boron Nitride
Materials Alumina Hydrate
Materials Calcined Alumina
Materials Tabular Alumina
Materials Pechiney Alumina
Materials Steatite
Materials Zirconium Dioxide
Materials Cordierite
Hazards Alumina Toxicology
An overview of the hazards of calcined and hydrated alumina materials in the ceramic glazes and clay bodies
Typecodes Alumina
Alumina products
Typecodes Generic Material
Generic materials are those with no brand name. Normally they are theoretical, the chemistry portrays what a specimen would be if it had no contamination. Generic materials are helpful in educational situations where students need to study material theory (later they graduate to dealing with real world materials). They are also helpful where the chemistry of an actual material is not known. Often the accuracy of calculations is sufficient using generic materials.
Typecodes Alumina
Alumina products
Typecodes Abrasive Resistant Super Hard Material
These materials are generally available in granular form, the particles are cemented together using frits to produce abrasive products. However, powdered and slurried forms of these materials can also be formed and fired by various means to produce hard materials.
Typecodes Refractory
Materials that melt at high temperatures. These are normally used for kiln bricks, furniture, etc. or for ceramics that must withstand high temperatures during service.
Minerals Bauxite
The main ore from which alumina oxide products are refined, contains diaspore, gibbsite and boehmite
Minerals Gibbsite
An ore of aluminum.
Minerals Laterite
An ore of aluminum.
Minerals Corundum
The natural crystalline form of alumina.
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