High Purity Metals Applications
Some industrial applications of metals.
Aerospace
The rugged and intense environment created by many aerospace applications can prove challenging for many materials. The industry requires strong materials such as Aluminum and Platinum that can handle the stresses caused by high altitude flying including extreme heat fluctuations, vibration, and pressure. Lithium is used in the production of durable and heat resistant glass and ceramics. Aircraft and spacecraft also need to consider weight when building components, for fuel efficiency. Aluminum is commonly used in aerospace application because it is lightweight compared to other metals, but also strong and corrosion resistant.
Batteries
The rechargeable battery industry has grown significantly with the adoption of electric vehicles and other electricity storage challenges. Lithium is a key component of rechargeable batteries; Newer newer battery storage technologies utilizing Aluminum, Copper Powder, Lithium, and other metals are also coming to market to meet increasing market demand. and address the shortage of other materials such as lithium. In addition, battery housings and supporting electronics require sturdy, corrosion-resistant materials such as nickel wire and aluminum structures.
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals
Ultrafine copper powder can act as an effective catalyst in various chemical reactions due to its high surface area. As a result, there are wide applications across many fields of science, from medicine to petrochemicals to automotive emissions. Platinum is also used as a catalyst to boost the speed and efficiency of critical chemical reactions across a broad range of industries including automobile emissions, agricultural fertilizers, and explosives. In addition, ultrafine copper powder boasts impressive antimicrobial properties, so there are many uses in the medical field such as wound dressings, medical devices, and infection control. Advances in material science are constantly finding new applications of ultrafine copper powder in nanomaterials and nanocomposites, advanced coatings, 3D printing, and more. The strength and limited reactivity of platinum makes it another popular material for medical uses such as implants and pacemakers. Platinum and lithium are used in several pharmaceutical medicines. Lithium is widely used for traditional drug therapies for psychological illnesses and in pharmaceutical drug discovery, particularly as a new therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia.
Coatings, Direct Metal Powder Creation and Applications
Metal products have long been used to provide protective layers over other materials to shield from detrimental environmental effects. Metal coatings create an inert or non-reactive barrier to prevent deterioration from moisture or other degrading factors. New technologies such as nano-coatings do an even more effective job protecting surfaces because nanoparticles self-organize into an ultra-thin, invisible layer of protection, and the atomic-scale size of the particles can fill tiny cracks in the substrate. Ultrafine copper powder is a component in the processing of such nanomaterials.
Construction Materials
Many metals are used in the construction of homes, buildings, and property infrastructure, from the materials that make up massive I-beams to the smallest pipes and wires. Aluminum, as a strong but lightweight metal with intrinsic corrosion resistance, is used in many construction applications including roofs and windows, heating and air conditioning systems, solar panels, and many more.
Packaging & Containers
Aluminum is used frequently to package consumer goods, particularly foodstuffs. Aluminum packaging is light, flexible and easily recyclable. It is hygienic and non-toxic, and is a good barrier against light and air, oil and grease, and microorganisms, helping to preserve food quality. Aluminum has good heat conductivity, improving even cooking in the oven. Also, aluminum packaging can be produced in a wide range of sizes and shapes.
Electronics
Metal materials are used widely in the manufacturing of many electronic components including integrated circuits, large-size displays and other semiconductor fields, and electronic devices of all types. High Purity Copper and Aluminum is used to fabricate the packaging of components on a circuit board. Ultrafine copper powder is used in the production of conductive pastes, inks, and coatings used for printed circuit board packaging and semiconductor packaging. Platinum has long been a key component in hard drive manufacturing, and also in the production of a huge range of sensors such as high-temperature thermocouples, carbon monoxide detectors, and laboratory equipment.
Wire
Copper, Platinum, and many copper alloys are used widely in wire and cable manufacturing. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it ideal for use in electrical wiring, power transmission, and transformers. Aluminum is is another excellent conductor, and the material drawn into wire and cables for high voltage conductors. Typical applications of Nickel Wire include heating elements, lighting and lead wires, mechanical fasteners, electrical contacts, semi-conductors and electrical components in industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical.