Abstract

Both the binary and complex fluorides of aluminum have played a significant role in the aluminum industry. Aluminum trifluoride trihydrate is of primary importance to the manufacture of aluminum as is sodium hexafluoroaluminate, known as cryolite. Anhydrous aluminum fluoride is used in fluoride glass manufacture and in ceramics. Mixtures of potassium tetrafluoroaluminate and potassium hexafluoroaluminate have been employed as brazing fluxes in the manufacture of aluminum parts. Two new types of aluminates with far ranging commercial potential have been prepared and characterized. The properties, manufacture, and uses of the various aluminum fluoride compounds are described.