Transparent aluminum is a form of aluminum that is see-through. The concept originated from the Star Trek series in the early 70s. We cannot create transparent aluminum in real life but can manufacture a near similar product from aluminum oxynitride or AION. This article specifies the manufacturing process, ingredients, and applications of Transparent aluminum.
What is Transparent Aluminium?
Transparent aluminium, also known as Aluminium Oxynitride is composed of Aluminium, Oxygen, and Nitrogen. Aluminum oxynitride is a crystalline substance made of aluminate powder alloys. They are compressed and heated for extremely high temperatures of around 2000 C. The ceramic obtained is then cooled, polished, and shaped into its desired form. The end product is an ultra-hard ceramic material. It is one of the hardest substances with a cubical spinel crystal structure. Aluminum Oxynitride is also known as ALON.
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Material Composition of Transparent Aluminium
The chemical formula of transparent aluminum is Al3No3. The main ingredients are Aluminium, Nitrogen, and Oxygen. They are also known as ALON, Al23O27N5. It has a 27-40 mole percentage of aluminum nitrite. The optical and mechanical properties of Alon make it more stable.
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Transparent Aluminium – Properties
Transparent aluminum has unique properties compared to other construction materials. Generally they are recommended for high-resolution reconnaissance windows.
- The compressive strength of Alon is 2.68GPa. They are three times hard than steel and four times harder than fused silica.
- They are corrosion resistance.
- The flexure strength of 0.380GPa, Thus it can withstand breaking.
- It has resistance to extreme weather condition and the marine environment.
- The Alon are highly transparent near UV rays to mid-IR rays.
- The melting point of Alon is 1200 degree Celsius.
- They have less interlaminar residual stress, Thus they are delamination resistant.
- It has a good load resisting capacity.
- The density of Alon is 3.7 g/cc.
- Since they are crystal clear, it has an outstanding refractive index homogeneity over large areas.
- They are scratch resistance. Less damage is caused by rocks and debris.
- It has a high life expectancy.
- The young’s modulus of Aluminium oxynitrate is 3.4 GPa. Hence chances to get brittle is less.
Transparent aluminium- Manufacturing process
The manufacturing process of aluminum oxynitrate is carried out in steps. The first step is the manufacturing of powders and hence the process is known as powder processing. The ceramic materials are heated at high temperatures and are converted into powders.
Subsequently, the powders are rubber molded and glazed under high temperatures. The powders are converted to a transparent metal at a temperature of around 2000 C.
The Alon manufactured through this conventional method may have low transparency and high porosity. An alternative method of manufacturing is introduced for producing a superior and defect-free material.
In this method, the powder is mixed with a sintering additive and heated at around 1750 degrees celsius. Consequently, cubic phased polycrystalline Alon is obtained. Further heating enhances the relative density.
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Applications of Transparent Aluminium
- Since transparent aluminium is a clear metal, It has generated a modification in construction materials. The properties of Alon is apt for aesthetic development in civil engineering.
- The durability and ability to transform into panels are important characteristics of transparent aluminium.
- Aerospace and defence systems use Alon concerning their effective weight and optical qualities. They provide environmental durability and fire protection.
- They help in visual detection in NVG as it has excellent night vision. They can be used under low light conditions.
- They are used for manufacturing bullet proof glasses.