Aluminum in pure form of a non-magnetic metal. When placed in close proximity to an external influence this metal has no observable reaction.
Aluminum as Paramagnetic Material
The metal structural composition includes a crystalline structure and the presence of limited unpaired electrons. Both of these properties allow very limited susceptibility to external magnetic influence which results in a weak attraction.
These properties fall under a select category known as paramagnetism which allows temporary reactions experienced in the presence of external influence.
Why Aluminum is Considered Non-Magnetic
This metal is labeled as nonmagnetic because of the lack of a physical reaction which in this case would be movement towards the external influence.
The material is classified as paramagnetic as it has properties such as electrons that are not paired and a crystal arrangement of atoms. The electrons that are not attached are limited and move in opposite directions which limits the external influence.
As a paramagnetic material, the metal experiences a muted attraction that only occurs atomically. This movement is very limited and does not express itself physically. Therefore, in the presence of an external influence, there will be no visible interaction with the external influence.
Factors Affecting Aluminum Magnetic Properties
- The crystal arrangement of the atoms influences their spin which influences the number of electrons with no paring.
- In its unadulterated state, this metal has no observable interaction with external fields. When other elements are introduced the metal’s behavior changes depending on the properties of the introduced element.
- There is a process that involves heating the metal while simultaneously exposing it to a strong external magnetic field. This process referred to as annealing boosts these properties.
How Alloying Elements or Impurities Affect Aluminum Magnetic Properties
Amalgamating this metal with elements that have a strong susceptibility to magnetic fields and exhibit observable interaction with the field enhances its magnetic properties.
This fusion alters the structural composition of aluminum which in turn enhances its magnetic properties.
Any magnetic properties present can also be neutralized when certain elements are incorporated into the metal. In this case, the metal’s weak attraction can become a weak repulsion or it can exhibit anomalous behavior.
Aluminum Magnetic Permeability
Aluminum has a relative permeability which averages at around 1.000022 which is indicative of its very limited interaction with external fields. This also aligns with its paramagnetic disposition.
Comparing Aluminum to Other Magnetic Metals
Some common magnetism experienced in metals include; paramagnetic characterized by its weak pull towards external influence, and diamagnetism by its slight pull away from the external influence.
Diamagnetic materials include lead, silver, and copper. Ferromagnetic materials include cobalt, iron, and nickel. Aluminum differs from the rest in the following ways;
· Electrons Influencing Magnetism in Aluminum
The metal has a limited amount of unpaired electrons which accounts for its limited interactions with external influences. Ferromagnetic materials on the other hand contain a significantly higher number of free electrons with no paring which enhances its magnetic properties.
· Interaction with Magnets
This metal experiences a very weak pull when placed close to a magnetic field which does not express itself physically.
· Aluminum Dipole Moment
Dipole moments are directly influenced by the number of electrons in the material atoms that have no pairs.
Therefore, it either increases or decreases with the number of these electrons. Ferromagnetic materials come first followed by paramagnetic materials like aluminum and on the opposite side of the scale with a zero momenta are diamagnetic materials.
· Aluminum Magnetic Susceptibility
On the higher side of the scale are ferromagnetic materials that are followed by paramagnetic materials that are significantly lower and the last on the scale is diamagnetic materials with almost no susceptibility.
Applications of Aluminum due to Non-magnetic Property
Aluminum has many beneficial properties that make it useful in a wide range of applications. Its nonmagnetic properties are also beneficial in a lot of industries. The applications of nonmagnetic aluminum include;
- Electrical and electronic components
- Magnetic shielding
- Tools and equipment
- Medical devices
- Packaging
- Construction
- Machine manufacturing and equipment
Conclusion
Pure aluminum is a nonmagnetic material and can be used for a wide range of applications thanks to this property. In its unadulterated form, this metal can exhibit temporary properties when in close proximity to an external field.
More Resources:
Aluminum Magnetism – Source: KDMFAB
Aluminum Sheet Metal Fabrication – Source: KDMSTEEL