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Aluminum

We tend to think of aluminum as a soft, pliable metal, but when it combines with oxygen to form aluminum oxide (AL₂O₃) the result is one of the toughest compounds on Earth. Both rubies and sapphires are forms of aluminum oxide.

Today, researchers at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) are testing a new type of coating that contains aluminum oxide for use in extreme conditions such as heat exchangers and fuel cells.

They hope to develop an environmentally friendly, economical coating that will protect against wear and corrosion.

Additional Information

Learn more about relevant NRC research:

NRC-Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI)

Aluminium Technology Centre (NRC-ATC) in Saguenay