Question

Write a short note on aluminum oxide and its applications.

Answer 1

As we know that the chemical formula of aluminum oxide is $A{{l}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}$ and is also known as alumina. It naturally occurs in crystalline polymorphic phase (in the form of mineral corundum). So here we have explained about aluminum oxide along with the application.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss about aluminum oxide followed by it applications as follows:-
-Aluminum oxide: It is a compound of aluminum and oxygen in the ratio of 2:3 and hence its chemical formula is $A{{l}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}$. It is also referred to as alumina and it naturally occurs in the crystalline polymorphic phase.
-It is also an electrical insulator but at the same time it has a relatively high thermal conductivity for a ceramic material. It is completely insoluble in water and in its crystalline form, its hardness makes it compatible for use as an abrasive and also as a material in cutting tools.
-It is responsible for the resistance of aluminum metal towards weathering. As aluminum metal is very reactive with atmospheric oxygen so it forms a thin layer of aluminium oxide on itself which further gives it the resistance towards weathering.
-Applications of aluminum oxide are given below:-
This chemical compound is used in formulations of glass and also as a catalyst in various inorganic and organic reactions.
It is also used in the purification of water in order to remove water from the gas streams.
It is an electrical insulator and therefore used as a substrate for different types of integrated circuits.
It is also used in sodium vapour lamps.

Note:
-Few more applications of aluminum oxide are given below:-
This compound is one of the common ingredients in sunscreen and it is also present in various cosmetic products such as nail polish, blush, lipstick, etc.
It is used as an abrasive in sandpapers.