Aluminum Fluoride Powder (AlF₃)
Aluminum fluoride is added to aluminum smelting cells to keep the electrolyte working properly. We supply grades AF-0, AF-1 and AF-2, and every batch ships with a COA.
What is aluminum fluoride?
Aluminum fluoride is a white, sand-like powder. Its formula is AlF₃ and its CAS number is 7784-18-1.
A simple way to picture what it does: when ice forms on a road in winter, people spread salt so it melts more easily. Aluminum fluoride plays a similar part in aluminum production. Aluminum is made by dissolving alumina, a white powder refined from bauxite, in a molten bath and passing current through it. Aluminum fluoride lowers the melting point of that bath, so the cell can run at a lower temperature.
The bath loses fluorine as the cell operates, so smelters add aluminum fluoride regularly to keep its composition steady.
Uses
- Industrial useIn smelters, it is used to adjust the composition of the electrolyte, lower its melting point and make up for fluorine lost during electrolysis. This is its main use.
- In daily lifeYou will not find aluminum fluoride in a shop, but the aluminum produced with it ends up in cans, foil, window frames, cookware, phone and laptop casings, car parts, aircraft and trains.
Production process
Production has six stages, from raw material preparation to packing. The finished product is checked against specification and a COA is issued.
The diagram shows a general process flow. Actual conditions vary by batch and plant.
Product Specifications
These are reference specifications. We supply three grades, AF-0, AF-1 and AF-2, and can propose a suitable product based on your requirements.
| Test item | AF-0 | AF-1 | AF-2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) ≥ | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.8 |
| F (%) ≥ | 61 | 60 | 60 |
| Al (%) ≥ | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Na (%) ≤ | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.6 |
| SiO₂ (%) ≤ | 0.10 | 0.32 | 0.35 |
| Fe₂O₃ (%) ≤ | 0.06 | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| SO₄ (%) ≤ | 0.10 | 0.60 | 0.60 |
| P₂O₅ (%) ≤ | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Uniformity ≤ | 0.5 | 1.0 | 2.5 |
| Packing | 25 kg per bag |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White sandy powder |
Problems customers run into
- Quality differs between batchesEvery batch comes with a COA, so you can compare the measured values with the specification for your grade.
- Powder arrives damp or cakedBags are moisture-resistant and marked with a batch number. When a shipment arrives, check that the powder is white and sandy, with no lumps or foreign matter.
- ImpuritiesSilicon, iron, sulfate and phosphorus can affect electrolysis and the quality of the aluminum, so each grade sets upper limits. For AF-1, for example, SiO₂ is limited to 0.32%, Fe₂O₃ to 0.10%, SO₄ to 0.60% and P₂O₅ to 0.04%.
- Choosing a gradeThe three grades have different limits. If you are not sure which one fits your process, ask for a sample and test it first.
Frequently asked questions
What is aluminum fluoride?
A white, sandy powder with the formula AlF₃. It is used in aluminum smelting cells to adjust the electrolyte composition and lower its melting point.
Why do smelters keep adding it?
Fluorine is gradually lost during electrolysis. It has to be topped up regularly to keep the electrolyte composition stable.
What is the difference between AF-0, AF-1 and AF-2?
The grades differ in density, fluorine and aluminum content, impurity limits and uniformity. AF-0 has the tightest limits, and AF-1 and AF-2 are more relaxed. See the table above for the values.
What are the packing and appearance specifications?
25 kg per bag. The appearance is a white sandy powder.
Does every batch come with a test report?
Yes. Every batch comes with a COA, and each bag is marked with a batch number for traceability.
Can I test a sample first?
Yes. Email us with your requirements and the grade you are considering.
Need a sample for testing?
Get in touch and tell us about your process. We will reply with sample and quotation information.
Contact Us info@maeda-enterprises.co.th
