EPiC database - Aluminium bar

This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.<br><br>Aluminium is a ductile non-ferrous metal. It is a lightweight metal with an average density of 2.7 t/m³. It is durable, corrosion resistant, a good reflector of both visible and infrared radiation, and highly recyclable. Aluminium alloys are used in the construction industry as raw aluminium typically lacks the strength required for most of its applications.<br><br>Aluminium is extracted from bauxite, its common ore, through an extensive process. Bauxite is converted to aluminium oxide through the Bayer process. Aluminium oxide (or Alumina) is then converted to aluminium billets by the electricity-intensive Hall-Héroult process, made of 99% aluminium, which can be further purified if needed. Aluminium billets are then thermoformed into the relevant shape. Powder coating provides additional durability, custom colour and improved performance.<br><br>Aluminium is commonly used as a construction material, notably as cladding, structural and window framing, and as a thermal reflector. Aluminium bars are typically extruded and can be used as a finishing product (flat bars) and as ventilation grilles.本材料隶属于免费开放的建筑环境性能（Environmental Performance in Construction, EPiC）数据库。EPiC数据库采用综合混合生命周期清单方法，收录了250余种建筑材料的隐含环境流系数。<br><br>铝属于延性有色金属，是一种轻质金属，平均密度为2.7 t/m³。其具备优异的耐久性、耐腐蚀性，可高效反射可见光与红外辐射，且可回收利用率极高。由于纯铝通常无法满足多数应用场景的强度要求，因此建筑行业多采用铝合金作为建筑材料。<br><br>铝通常从其常见矿石铝土矿中提取，提取流程较为复杂。铝土矿先通过拜耳法转化为氧化铝，再经高电耗的霍尔-埃鲁法将氧化铝（又称矾土）制备为纯度达99%的铝锭，必要时可进一步提纯。随后铝锭将通过热成型工艺加工为所需形状。采用粉末喷涂工艺可进一步提升铝制品的耐久性、提供定制化色彩并优化使用性能。<br><br>铝作为建筑材料应用广泛，典型用途包括建筑覆层、结构构件与窗框制作，以及用作热反射材料。铝棒通常通过挤压工艺成型，可加工为饰面产品（如扁铝条）或通风格栅。