Hobbies And Interests
Metallic Additive
Because of its reflective nature, powdered aluminum is a paint additive that provides silver metallic pigments for cars, trucks and motorcycles. It also adds its silver metallic sheen to printer inks, textiles and plastics.
Protective Coating
Aluminum powder protects car and truck exteriors, car and truck parts, as well as patio furniture and other metal parts from corrosion. This dry powder coating is also used on appliances, marine products, lighting such as bulbs and fixtures, computer parts, and air condition vents and filters.
Aluminum bronze, a copper alloy containing manganese, copper, iron, but mostly aluminum powder, is used for metal casting; machinists use it for covering bushings, rods, slides, clamps, pressure blocks, screw nuts, etc. for its high strength and corrosion resistance.
Although hobbyists and the ceramic industry buy aluminum powder for coating ceramics, manufacturers use it for coating bathroom sinks and tubs, mailboxes and many other metal surfaces.
Conduction
The photovoltaic thick film paste that is screen-printed onto the backs of solar cells has an aluminum-powder base. After the paste is metalized it becomes an electrical conductor.
Cosmetics, Makeups and Deodorants
Although the Collaborative on Health and the Environment Toxicant and Disease Database lists aluminum powder as showing strong evidence of carcinogenic and toxic properties, aluminum powder is used as a flake or a pigment in cosmetics, especially in make-up.
Aluminum powder is a natural odor reducer and is a common ingredient in deodorants. As studies have shown it to be a carcinogen, it is slowly being replaced by other powder agents such as coconut powder, cornstarch and baking soda.
Architecture and Sculptures
Many architects use aluminum powder in their buildings and designs. An example is Tom Farrage, a California architect who in 1999 did the exterior fabrication for the fiberglass pods that make up the SHR Perceptual Management building in Scottsdale, Arizona. He coated the pods with aluminum powder.
Sculptors also use aluminum powder to add interesting glitter effects to their work. One of the three participants in "Statuesque," an outdoor exhibition in New York's City Hall Park in 2010, entered three big, bright hot-pink, candy-dotted sculptures constructed out of torqued, welded, cut-out sheets of metal which were coated with aluminum powder.