Aluminium oxide; artificial corundum

HS code 281810 covers the classification of aluminium oxide, also known as alumina, and artificial corundum. Aluminium oxide is a critical industrial material with a wide range of applications, from the production of aluminium metal to use as an abrasive, refractory, and catalyst. As a key component in the aluminium industry, this code plays a vital role in the global economy, supporting industries such as transportation, construction, and electronics.

Aluminium oxide is primarily produced through the Bayer process, which involves the extraction of alumina from bauxite ore. The key steps include crushing and grinding the bauxite, dissolving the alumina in a sodium hydroxide solution, and then precipitating the alumina as a hydrate. The hydrate is then calcined at high temperatures to produce the final aluminium oxide product.

The main inputs required for the production of aluminium oxide under HS code 281810 include bauxite ore, which is the primary raw material, as well as energy sources such as electricity and fuel for the high-temperature calcination process. Additionally, the production process requires significant amounts of water, as well as various chemical reagents, such as sodium hydroxide.

The primary output of HS code 281810 is aluminium oxide, which is then used as a feedstock for the production of 760110 aluminium. Aluminium oxide is also used in the manufacture of 681320 refractory bricks and tiles, 681091 abrasive products, and 381512 catalysts, among other applications.