What is the Difference Between Alumina and Corundum?

The main difference between alumina and corundum lies in their crystal structure and applications. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Crystal Structure: Alumina is a polycrystalline substance, while corundum has a single crystal structure.
2. Applications: Alumina is often used as a substrate or coating material due to its exceptional thermal and mechanical properties. It is used in the production of electronic components, wear-resistant coatings, and catalysts. Corundum, on the other hand, is an excellent abrasive material, owing to its hardness, high melting point, and other superior properties. It is utilized in the manufacturing of grinding wheels, polishing products, and cutting tools.
3. Refractory Materials: Slab corundum is mainly used for refractory materials, while alumina ceramic linings are mainly used for wear resistance.
4. Ceramics: Alumina ceramics are made with alumina (Al2O3) as the main body and used in thick film integrated circuits. They have good conductivity, mechanical strength, and high-temperature resistance.

Both alumina and corundum are essential materials in the manufacturing industry. While both materials are versatile and have a range of applications, understanding their differences can help ensure that the correct material is selected for the specific requirements of an application.

Comparative Table: Alumina vs Corundum

Here is a table highlighting the differences between alumina and corundum:

Both alumina and corundum are compounds consisting of aluminum. The key difference between alumina and corundum is that alumina is the name given to the group of compounds, whereas corundum is the naturally occurring mineral form of aluminum oxide.