Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal having a low density. The surface of the alloy is silver-white, matte. It is very light and soft, due to which it has a low melting point - about 650 degrees. Found its application in all areas of human life. It is actively used in the food industry, including for the manufacture of various dishes. Among all metals, production takes the second place in the world, after iron.
Aluminum is susceptible to acid attack. It is able to dissolve in concentrated solutions of alkalis. To avoid such phenomena, all aluminum products are covered with protective films. In a crushed, dusty state, while in an oxygen environment, it supports active combustion.
A little about the properties and alloys of aluminum
The thermal and electrical properties of this metal are comparable to gold, silver and copper. Very common in electrical engineering. Stranded wires and cables are made of it, they create windings for electric motors and transformers. Aluminum is very ductile, but very fragile. It can be rolled out into the possession of a translucent foil. Aluminum ingots can be easily planed and chopped. With the introduction of appropriate additives, it is possible to significantly increase the strength of the alloy, thereby expanding the spectrum of its application.
A similar alloy was developed in 1911 by German craftsmen in the town of Duren. Hence the name of the alloy consisting of aluminum, copper, magnesium and manganese - duralumin, or duralumin. Such a combination and long hardening made it possible to increase the strength characteristics and maintain their former lightness (aluminum is 3 times lighter than steel). Duralumin alloy found great application in aircraft industry, due to which it was nicknamed "winged metal". To maintain anti-corrosion performance, it was coated with a spray of pure aluminum.
To exclude such a deposition, another aluminum alloy with silicon inclusions, silumin, was developed. Due to its brilliance and silver color, aluminum is used in the manufacture of mirrors, both industrial and technical (for example, for telescopes), and household.
The use of aluminum alloys in the food industry
Aluminum in the food industry, as well as in everyday life, is used quite actively. From it make utensils, all kinds of containers for liquids and mixtures, make machines and equipment for food production. For this, food-grade aluminum sheet is usually used. This is due to the fact that aluminum alloys do not affect the composition of products or components of cosmetics. All vitamins, nutrients, initial properties and trace elements are fully preserved. In addition, they are not able to harm human health. Moreover, in the food industry it is allowed to use only aluminum food and its alloys of certain grades.
Metal alloys containing aluminum may also be used. All brands of this metal that are allowed to be used in the food industry must fully comply with GOST.
Use as packaging
Each house had or even had kitchen utensils made of aluminum - these are spoons, cups, cookers, pans, juicers, meat grinders and much more. Aluminum foil is very popular in the culinary world, which is used for baking meat and vegetables or just storing and transporting food. This foil is great for packing sweets, chocolate, ice cream, butter, cheese and cottage cheese.
Many creams and cosmetics, art paint (oil, tempera, gouache and even watercolor) are packed in a container made of food-grade aluminum. They also pack food for astronauts. It is safe to say that aluminum, including food grade, and alloys based on it are firmly entrenched in our daily life.
Food aluminum is widely used in the manufacture of containers for canned food. Due to this proliferation, the amount of aluminum debris increases, annually decomposing in landfills.
Advantages of food grade aluminum
Food aluminum has many advantages, among which the following can be distinguished:
- Not subject to corrosion. Thanks to this, kitchen equipment and tools are able to stay in water for a long time without harm to themselves.
- Food grade aluminum does not deform when exposed to heat.
- Despite its coming into contact with materials with organoleptic properties, there is no change in the properties of the products. All vitamins available in them are also stored.
- Due to sufficient rigidity, the material does not deform during cooking.
- Food grade aluminum is completely harmless to the human body and completely hygienic.
- Cookware made of this material can be used in cooking in ovens and microwave ovens.
Production of cookware and equipment for cooking aluminum
Food aluminum and its alloys are part of many types of cooking equipment. Since this metal is characterized by the ability to form all kinds of alloys, it, as mentioned above, is actively used for the manufacture of a variety of kitchen containers. In addition, it is indispensable in the production of all kinds of heat-resistant products. For example, equipment for kitchens and various frying surfaces of household appliances.
Aluminum has excellent heat conductivity at low heat capacity. In addition, it practically does not deform at high temperature or at its differences. Due to its low melting point and its ductility, aluminum is actively used for casting various products used in the kitchen. It is suitable for the manufacture of various surfaces that are distinguished by deep relief, all kinds of complex shapes and products with a wide area. For example, it is great for all kinds of baking dishes for culinary products.
Alloys of aluminum and GOST
Food grade aluminum, which is used for the manufacture of cookware and other similar products, can be not only in pure form, but also in the form of all kinds of alloys, each of which has international and state quality standards that indicate how and for what purposes they can be used .
Food Grade Aluminum
Each brand of this metal has its own unique chemical composition. According to GOST, without taking into account the A5 grades, such alloys as Ak5M2, AK7, AK9, AK12 can be used in the food industry . All other grades of edible aluminum are allowed to be used only with special permission.
Grades of metal alloys, including aluminum
Metal alloys in which aluminum is present can also be used. These include brands AB, ABM, A0, AD1, AD1M, AL22, AL23, AMg22. All these alloys are actively used for making spoons.
Quite often, products made from food-grade aluminum or its alloys must subsequently be coated with a special coating. But this can be done with the AMts brand, since its chemical composition fully complies with GOST.
Food aluminum has long and firmly entered our daily routine. You can not find a kitchen in which there is no utensils made of this metal. Reviews about him are only positive, and, apparently, his popularity does not think to fall.