Five eminent institutions bearing invention flags in the aluminium industry

Aluminium is benefitting a lot these days from innovations brought in by eminent institutions across the globe. Some innovations have evolved the production processes of the metal, while others have advanced the technologies used in the processes. Here in this article, we have picked five institutions that have treated the global aluminium value chain to one-of-a-kind technologies and applications.

EU’s Reveal Research Project works on heat-based energy storage in aluminium

The Reveal Research Project involving nine participants from seven European countries has initiated the noble objective of producing aluminium from alumina in a way that emits the least amount of carbon dioxide. The project magnifies a vital idea if aluminium can hold electricity as heat that can be released later to warm the houses and constructions during the chilly winter conditions. Reveal has amplified its study to evolve the technology permitting energy storage from wind, PV, and hydropower for long periods spending a negligible amount of money. It has based its preliminary findings on the SPF Institute for Solar Technology, a part of the OST Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences.

Scientists from BSU and Skoltech institute discover resistant and improved aluminium for aircraft

Now, coming to the downstream sector, it is worth mentioning that scientists from Belgorod State University (BSU) and Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) have discovered a series of patterns in the atomic structure of aluminium, which might lead to new and more resistant aluminium alloys for aviation.

The researchers hope the combination of mechanical qualities they've discovered will aid in extending the life of aeroplane components built of these materials.

IIT Guwahati researchers employ aluminium nitride in radiative cooler

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have created a low-cost, effective "passive" radiative cooling system that runs without energy and can serve as a substitute for traditional air conditioners. This radiative cooler coating material may be placed on rooftops and works both during the day and at night, making it an electricity-free cooling device.

For the cooler to operate during the daytime, researchers have considered employing silicon dioxide and aluminium nitride thin films. The wavelength range of solar and atmospheric radiations is matched by the low optical density of these materials.

Mechatherm International and Aston University improve aluminium recycling methods

The recycling sector of the industry is neither being deprived from innovative applications and technologies. Birmingham’s Aston University has collaborated with Midland-headquartered cast house technology experts via a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to plan new energy-saving ways of recycling aluminium, which can save almost 50 per cent of the total consumption demanded by the process.

Hindalco & Manush Labs co-host 'Clean Technology Start-up Challenge' to reach net zero

Very recently, Hindalco has partnered with Manush Labs, an MIT spin-off, to collaboratively conduct a 'Clean Technology Start-up Challenge' to arrive at their sustainability goals. Through this drive, the company will be focused on recycling 5,000 tonnes of plastic and reusing almost 700,000 tonnes of industrial waste each year, which include all types of scraps, from copper wires to cement, and extruded aluminium frames to TMT bars. Fortunately, most of these items can be recycled and reused, among which aluminium has 100% recyclability.