Aluminum Oxide, Dialuminium Trioxide, Aluminium Trioxide, 1344-28-1, 11092-32-3, 1302-74-5

ALUMINUM OXIDE (ALUMINA - Al₂O₃)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

    Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) Structure
    
    Alumina Crystal Structure
    (Corundum / Alpha-Alumina)
    
    Al³⁺ — O²⁻ — Al³⁺
     |         |
    O²⁻       O²⁻
     |         |
    Al³⁺ — O²⁻ — Al³⁺

Molecular Formula: Al₂O₃
SMILES: O=[Al]O[Al]=O
InChI: InChI=1S/2Al.3O
Crystal Systems: Hexagonal (Corundum - α-Al₂O₃); Cubic (γ-Al₂O₃); Various other polymorphs

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF ALUMINUM OXIDE TYPES

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Bayer Process (Most Common Industrial Method)

• Process: Bauxite ore → Digestion with NaOH → Precipitation of Al(OH)₃ → Calcination → Al₂O₃

• Reactions: Al₂O₃ (in bauxite) + 2NaOH + 3H₂O → 2NaAl(OH)₄; 2NaAl(OH)₄ + H₂O → Al(OH)₃ + NaOH; 2Al(OH)₃ → Al₂O₃ + 3H₂O (calcination at ~1,000°C)

• Description: Bauxite ore is digested with sodium hydroxide solution; Sodium aluminate solution is formed; Alumina trihydrate is precipitated by seeding and cooling; Calcination at high temperature produces aluminum oxide; Most common industrial production method

Method 2: Calcination of Aluminum Hydroxide

• Reaction: 2Al(OH)₃ → Al₂O₃ + 3H₂O (at high temperature)

• Temperature: ~1,000-1,200°C

• Description: Aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) is heated to high temperatures; Dehydrates to form aluminum oxide; Produces various grades (calcined, reactive, tabular) depending on temperature and processing

Method 3: Electric Arc Fusion (White Fused Alumina)

• Process: Calcined alumina → Electric arc furnace → Fusion → Cooling → Crushing → WFA

• Temperature: ~2,000°C

• Description: Calcined alumina is melted in an electric arc furnace; Molten alumina is cooled and crushed; Produces white fused alumina with high hardness and purity

Method 4: Tabular Alumina Production

• Process: Calcined alumina → Pelletization → Sintering at ~1,900°C → Tabular alumina

• Description: Calcined alumina is formed into pellets and sintered at very high temperatures; Produces dense, high-purity tabular alumina with low porosity

Method 5: Activated Alumina Production

• Process: Aluminum hydroxide → Controlled dehydration (partial) → Activated alumina

• Temperature: ~300-600°C

• Description: Aluminum hydroxide is partially dehydrated under controlled conditions; Produces porous activated alumina with high surface area; Used as desiccant and catalyst support

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

General Specifications (Al₂O₃)

White Fused Alumina (WFA) Specifications

Tabular Alumina Specifications

Calcined Alumina Specifications

Reactive Alumina Specifications

Activated Alumina Specifications

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Note: Aluminum oxide is generally considered non-hazardous. However, the following hazard statements are often included based on dust irritation potential:

Signal Word: WARNING (optional, based on dust irritation)

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (optional)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes) - if classified:

Note: In many regions, Aluminum Oxide is not classified as hazardous under GHS, but fine dust should still be handled with care.

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Non-hazardous material but fine dust may cause mechanical irritation to eyes and respiratory tract. Use appropriate dust control measures.

• Non-combustible. Does not burn. Stable at high temperatures.

• Avoid inhalation of fine dust. Use dust extraction systems in handling areas.

• Amphoteric oxide. Reacts with both strong acids and strong bases.

• Chemically inert in most environments. Excellent chemical resistance.

• High hardness. Sharp edges of particles may cause mechanical abrasion.

• Careful attention must be paid to the grade: Different alumina grades (tabular, WFA, calcined, reactive, activated) have different properties and applications. Incorrect selection will lead to failure.

• Activated alumina is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture if not properly stored. Store in moisture-proof containers.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Abrasive Applications (WFA): Use white fused alumina for grinding wheels, sandpaper, cutting tools, and blasting media; High hardness (Mohs 9) provides excellent wear resistance; Control particle size for specific surface finish requirements.

• Refractory Applications (Tabular/WFA): Use tabular alumina for high-temperature furnace linings, crucibles, and kiln furniture; Provides thermal shock resistance and high-temperature stability; Use WFA for high-temperature applications requiring chemical inertness.

• Ceramic Applications (Reactive/WFA): Use reactive alumina for technical ceramics requiring fine microstructure control; Use WFA for wear parts, cutting inserts, ballistic armor; Sinterable binders for technical ceramic systems.

• Catalysis Applications (Activated/Reactive): Use activated alumina as catalyst support in petroleum refining and chemical synthesis; High surface area (150-350 m²/g) provides excellent catalytic activity; Use reactive alumina for VOC oxidation catalysts.

• Desiccant Applications (Activated Alumina): Use as drying agent for gases and liquids; Regenerable by heating to 200-300°C; Protect from moisture during storage; Replace or regenerate when saturated.

• Electronics Applications (Calcined/Reactive): Use as electrical insulator and dielectric material; IC substrates and semiconductor components; High purity grades required for electronic applications.

• Laminates (WFA/Tabular): Use WFA for decorative laminates requiring surface hardness and wear resistance; Tabular alumina for high-temperature press applications; Compact laminates typically use WFA for surface hardness.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Use dust extraction systems; Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection when handling powder; Avoid dust generation.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, protective clothing (dust-resistant), NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator, protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene).

• Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in dry conditions; Keep away from strong acids and bases; Moisture-proof containers recommended for activated alumina.

• Spill Response: Avoid dust generation; Use dust extraction systems; Vacuum or wet-sweep; Place in closed containers for disposal; Do not use dry sweeping methods that generate dust.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Alumina is considered non-hazardous waste; Recycle where possible; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources.

ALUMINA TYPE-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS:

Tabular Alumina:

• Best for refractories and high-temperature applications

• Low porosity, high thermal conductivity

• High volume density

• Use in furnace linings, crucibles, ceramic fiber

White Fused Alumina (WFA):

• Best for abrasives, laminates, and ceramics

• High hardness, wear resistance

• Chemical inertness

• Use in grinding wheels, sandpaper, cutting tools, ballistic armor

Calcined Alumina:

• Best for fillers and binders

• High purity, low reactivity

• Use in ceramics, glass, electronics

Reactive Alumina:

• Best for technical ceramics and sinterable binders

• High surface area, chemical reactivity

• Low-temperature sintering

• Use in binders, microstructure control, ceramic components

Activated Alumina:

• Best for desiccants and catalysts

• High surface area (150-350 m²/g)

• Porous structure

• Use in drying, catalyst support, chemical processes

SECTOR-SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS:

Ceramics Sector: Reactive and tabular alumina are ideal for sintering and microstructure control; WFA provides hardness and wear resistance for technical ceramics.

Laminate Sector: WFA and tabular alumina provide surface hardness and thermal resistance; WFA is preferred for compact laminate panels where surface hardness is critical.

Refractory Applications: Tabular and WFA excel in high-temperature resistance; Tabular alumina provides superior thermal shock resistance.

Abrasive Sector: WFA is preferred due to its Mohs hardness (9); Provides excellent abrasion resistance.

Chemical & Catalysis: Calcined and reactive alumina are suitable for high surface area and purity; Activated alumina used for desiccant and catalyst support.

Electronics: Calcined and reactive alumina are used for insulator and dielectric properties; High purity is essential.

Construction Materials: Tabular and WFA provide mechanical strength and UV resistance.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.