Islamic Azad University Experts Produce Aluminum Fluoride
“In line with the development of Islamic Azad University, we are pursuing projects that not only contribute to scientific progress; but also meet the vital needs of the country,” Mohammad Baqer Tavakkoli, the president of Islamic Azad University in Markazi province, told ANA.
“One of these projects is the production of aluminum fluoride, which is a vital material for reducing the melting temperature of aluminum,” he added.
“Also, the Islamic Azad University’s Khomein branch, in cooperation with faculty members, has started producing phosphate fertilizer, most of which is supplied through imports, and domestic production can help the country's economy,” Tavakkoli said.
Aluminum fluoride (AlF3) is a colorless, inorganic compound that's a white powder or granules, denser than water. It's primarily used in the production of aluminum, acting as a flux to lower the melting point and improve conductivity of the molten bath, thereby reducing energy consumption.
It also has diverse applications in ceramics, metallurgy, and other industrial processes.
Aluminum fluoride sees its primary use as an additive in aluminum production and by electrolysis. Aluminum manufacturing must include extracting the aluminum from its ore, in which the ore is covered in pure aluminum oxide and is then electrolyzed by a solution of aluminum fluoride and cryolite.
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