Aluminium powder

Aluminium powder is powdered aluminium.

Aluminium pigment powder

This was originally produced by mechanical means using a stamp mill to create flakes. Subsequently, a process of spraying molten aluminium to create a powder of droplets was developed by E. J. Hall in the 1920s. The resulting powder might then be processed further in a ball mill to flatten it into flakes for use as a coating or pigment.^[1] Aluminium powder features low density with high conductivity.^[2]

Usage

• autoclave aerated concrete
• cosmetic colourant
• fingerprint powder^[3]
• metallic paint
• pyrotechnics (including the M-80 firecracker)
• refractory
• rocket and missile fuel such as the solid rocket boosters of the Space Shuttle^[4]
• thermite
• Electrically conductive filler material for EMI shielding applications.^[5]
• Improvised explosive device

Depending on the usage, the powder is either coated or uncoated.

Safety

Aluminium is insoluble. Although aluminium is unlikely to be adsorbed into the blood stream, its inhalation can cause severe irritation and hinder the ventilation mechanism.^[6] High levels of exposure over many years may result in aluminosis which causes pulmonary fibrosis.^[7]

Aluminium powder and dust is highly flammable and creates a significant risk of fire or explosion. There have been many incidents in industries which produce such dusts and powders.^[8]

See also

• Metal powder
• Technology portal