Aluminium and most aluminium alloys have high corrosion resistance because of protective oxide films thatformonthesurface when the metal is exposed to air. Anodizing of aluminium is the process by which the thick layer of aluminium oxide is made on the upper surface of the aluminium articles. The oxide film, is formed automatically about 0.1-0.4 x 106 inches or 0.25 1 x 10-2microns. Micron is a unit used to measure the film thickened i.e. very small thicknesses. Anodic oxidation or anodizing is an electrolytic process for thickening this naturally occurring film several hundred times or more. This thicker oxide film has properties that open new fields of application to aluminium and hence its suitability in many existing uses. The anodic film is chemically stable and abrasion resistance. It also has a high dielectric strength. Valuable in some application where aluminium used as an electrical conduct. The film may be retain high reflectivity, while its microcell structure enables it to absorb dyes to give a wide range of decorative effects. It also forms an excellent key for plain coatings.
Anodizing is accomplished by immersing the aluminium into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through the medium. A cathode is mounted to the inside of the anodizing tank; the aluminium acts as an anode, so that oxygen ions are released from the electrolyte to combine with the aluminium atoms at the surface of the part being anodized. Anodizing is, therefore, a matter of highly controlled oxidation the enhancement of a naturally occurring phenomenon.
The global anodized aluminium components for beauty packaging market is estimated to reach US$ 5,450.6 million by 2026 from US$ 3,676.6 million in 2018, and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period (2019–2026). Key drivers such as shifting consumer preference towards sustainable, eco-friendly & aesthetically appealing packaging material are expected to positively impact demand for anodized aluminium components during the forecast period. However, high cost of aluminium compared to other materials such as tinplate, steel is estimated to be a major factor restraining growth of the market in the near future.
Anodized aluminium is used in commercial and consumer applications in industries such as the transportation and construction. It is also used in home decors and electrical appliances. In addition, it is employed in satellites to provide protection from debris. Therefore, the global anodized aluminium market is likely to experience a promising growth.
Aluminium is used in a huge variety of products including cans, foils, kitchen utensils, window frames, beer kegs and aero plane parts. This is because of its particular properties. It has low density, is non-toxic, has a high thermal conductivity, has excellent corrosion resistance and can be easily cast, machined and formed. It is also non-magnetic and non-sparking. It is the second most malleable metal and the sixth most ductile.
Due to the fact that consistent growth of Indian economy at a rate of 8%, the demand for metals, used for various sectors, is also on the higher side. As a result, the Indian Aluminium Industry is also growing consistently as in the year 2009 the aluminium industry in India saw a growth of about 9%.
Indian Aluminium Industry is a highly concentrated industry with the top 5 companies constituting the majority of the country's production.With the growing demand of Aluminium, the industry is also growing at an enviable pace. In fact, Aluminium production in India is currently outpacing the demand. Although India's per capita consumption of Aluminium stands too low (under 1 kg) as compared to the per capita consumptions of other countries like US & Europe (range from 25 to 30 kgs), Japan (15 kgs), Taiwan (10 kgs) and China (3 kgs), the demand is growing gradually. In India, the industries that require Aluminium Reserves most include power (44%), consumer durables, transportation (10-12%), construction (17%) and packaging, etc.
The global requirement is estimated at around 7.4 million tons, against the consumption in India as only around 110,000 tons. India's share in the global downstream sector is low as compared to other developed countries.India has nearly 10% of the world's bauxite reserves and a growing aluminium sector that leverages this. Demand in the domestic market is expected to grow by 8-10; India is expected to have an installed aluminium capacity of 1.7 to 2 million tons per annum by 2020.
Few Indian major players are as under
Adishakti Alloys Pvt. Ltd.
Alexcon Extrusions Ltd.
Alom Extrusions Ltd.
Alufit (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Alumayer Systems Pvt. Ltd.
Aluminium Profiles Ltd.
Autoneum India Pvt. Ltd
Bhoruka Extrusions Pvt. Ltd.
