What are the differences in quality and performance between recycled aluminum materials and primary aluminum?

1.Chemical composition

Primary aluminum: Primary aluminum is obtained by electrolyzing aluminum ore (such as alumina). It has high purity, usually above 99%. Its chemical composition is relatively simple and stable. The main impurities are trace metal elements such as iron and silicon that are difficult to completely remove during the electrolysis process. The content of these impurities is low and can be controlled within a certain range through precise electrolysis processes.

Recycled aluminum: Recycled aluminum is made by melting down waste aluminum products. Due to its wide and complex sources of raw materials, the chemical composition will vary depending on the recycled materials. In addition to aluminum, recycled aluminum may also contain other impurities such as coatings, plastics, and glass fibers. Even after strict pretreatment, it is difficult to completely remove these impurities. Moreover, when different batches of waste aluminum products are mixed and smelted during the recycling process, the chemical composition of recycled aluminum may fluctuate greatly.

2.Physical properties

Strength:Primary aluminum: The strength of primary aluminum is relatively stable. Its strength can be precisely controlled by alloying methods (such as adding alloy elements such as magnesium and silicon). For example, the tensile strength of 6061-T6 primary aluminum alloy can reach about 310 MPa, which can meet many application scenarios with high strength requirements, such as aircraft parts and high-end building structural components.

Recycled aluminum: The strength of recycled aluminum may be affected by impurities. Impurities can interfere with the role of alloy elements, resulting in lower strength than primary aluminum with the same alloy composition. However, with the continuous progress of refining technology, through impurity removal and precise composition adjustment, the strength of recycled aluminum can also be improved to a certain extent, but its strength stability is still not as good as that of primary aluminum.

• Density:

Primary aluminum: The density of primary aluminum is relatively stable, about 2.7 g/cm3. This allows for accurate prediction of its performance related to mass and volume during the design and manufacturing process, such as accurately calculating the weight of parts in the aerospace field.

Recycled aluminum: Due to the possible presence of other impurities in recycled aluminum, its density may be slightly different from that of primary aluminum. If the impurities have a higher density than aluminum, such as containing more heavy metal impurities, the density of recycled aluminum may increase; conversely, if it contains impurities with a lower density, such as plastic residues, the density may decrease.

• Thermal and electrical conductivity:

Primary aluminum: Primary aluminum is a good thermal conductor and electrical conductor, and its thermal and electrical conductivity is stable. This characteristic is very important in some applications such as heat dissipation components of electronic equipment and power transmission, ensuring effective heat dissipation and stable current transmission.

Recycled aluminum: Impurities in recycled aluminum will affect its thermal and electrical conductivity. Impurities may form scattering centers in the crystal structure of aluminum, hindering the conduction of heat and current. Therefore, the thermal and electrical conductivity of recycled aluminum is usually worse than that of primary aluminum. However, in some building application scenarios where the requirements for thermal and electrical conductivity are not particularly high, this difference may be acceptable.

3.Corrosion resistance

Primary aluminum: The aluminum oxide protective film on the surface of primary aluminum is relatively pure and dense, which can effectively prevent further corrosion of aluminum by the external environment. Under general atmospheric environments, freshwater environments, and other conditions, primary aluminum can exhibit good corrosion resistance. Moreover, through surface treatment processes such as anodizing, its corrosion resistance can be further enhanced, making it suitable for harsher environments such as marine environments.

Recycled aluminum: Due to the presence of more impurities in recycled aluminum, the aluminum oxide protective film formed on its surface may be affected by impurities. Impurities may damage the integrity of the protective film and reduce the corrosion resistance of recycled aluminum. For example, recycled aluminum containing more iron impurities may accelerate the corrosion process due to electrochemical corrosion between iron and aluminum in a humid environment. However, through appropriate refining and surface treatment technologies, the corrosion resistance of recycled aluminum can also be improved.

Company Details：

Company: Foshan Qi Aluminum Decorative Materials Co.,Ltd

website: www.aluminum-panel.com

Whatsapp: +86 13542961174

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