Aluminum powder, a highly reactive form of aluminum metal, has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties like lightness and flammability. Here are some of its important uses:
Pyrotechnics and Explosives: Aluminum powder is a key ingredient in fireworks and pyrotechnics, because it burns very brightly at high temperatures. Different grades of aluminum powder can create various flash effects depending on the burn rate . Aluminum powder is also used in some blasting agents for commercial mining.
Paints and Pigments: Aluminum powder is used to create reflective silver colored metallic pigments, often found in automobile paints, coatings for electronics, and packaging materials . Aluminum flakes, coated to reduce reactivity, are also sold as aluminum bronze for artistic purposes. Aluminum powder can also be used to create a conductive paste applied to the back of solar cells.
Fuels: Aluminum powder is an important component in some types of rocket fuels. The reaction between aluminum and an oxidizer like oxygen releases a large amount of heat, making it suitable for propelling rockets and missiles . Thermite, a welding material that uses aluminum powder, works on the same principle.
Other Uses: Aluminum powder has various other applications including:
