Aluminium hydroxide

HS code 281830 covers aluminium hydroxide, a versatile chemical compound with a wide range of industrial applications. As a key raw material in the production of aluminium metal, aluminium hydroxide plays a crucial role in the global aluminium industry, which is a vital component of the broader manufacturing and construction sectors. The demand for aluminium hydroxide is driven by its use in various applications, including the production of aluminium, as a filler in plastics and rubber, and as a flame retardant in building materials.

Aluminium hydroxide is primarily produced through the Bayer process, which involves the extraction of alumina (aluminium oxide) from bauxite ore. The key steps in this process include crushing and grinding the bauxite, dissolving the alumina in a hot sodium hydroxide solution, and then precipitating the aluminium hydroxide from the solution. The resulting aluminium hydroxide is then calcined (heated) to produce aluminium oxide, which can be further processed into aluminium metal.

The main inputs required for the production of aluminium hydroxide include bauxite ore, which is the primary raw material, as well as energy sources (such as electricity and fuel) for the various processing steps. Additionally, the Bayer process requires significant quantities of sodium hydroxide, which is used to extract the alumina from the bauxite. Other inputs may include specialized equipment and machinery for the various stages of production.

The primary output of HS code 281830 is aluminium hydroxide, which is then used as a feedstock for the production of 280120 Aluminium and other aluminium-based products. Aluminium hydroxide is also used as a filler in plastics, rubber, and other composite materials, as well as a flame retardant in building materials. Additionally, aluminium hydroxide may be further processed into other aluminium compounds, such as 281820 Aluminium oxide and 282520 Lithium hydroxide.