What Is Aluminum Oxide and How Long Does the Finish Last?
Aluminum oxide is a naturally occurring mineral known for its extreme hardness. Also referred to as alumina, it plays a vital role in surface protection for modern homes. Georgia Carpet Industries is here to explain what aluminum oxide is and how this compound creates durable, scratch-resistant hardwood floors.
What is Aluminum Oxide?
What exactly is aluminum oxide? Aluminum oxide is a naturally occurring mineral found in nature as the mineral corundum. It is a chemical compound consisting of aluminum and oxygen atoms. In its crystalline form, it manifests as ruby or sapphire gemstones. Besides flooring finishes, this mineral is utilized in the production of metallic aluminum and various types of industrial glass.
Properties of Aluminum Oxide
Aluminum oxide is prized in manufacturing because of specific physical traits that translate directly to floor protection:
Extreme Hardness: It ranks just below diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale, providing high compressive strength.
Abrasion Resistance: Its ability to withstand friction makes it a primary ingredient in industrial sandpaper.
Chemical Inertness: It is biologically inert and resistant to oxidation, meaning it does not degrade or react when exposed to household chemicals.
Thermal Stability: It has high resistance to heat and thermal shock.
How Aluminum Oxide is Produced
Most industrial aluminum oxide is produced through the Bayer process. This chemical method involves refining bauxite ore to extract pure alumina. The ore is dissolved in sodium hydroxide at high temperatures, filtered to remove impurities, and then heated in a kiln to create the white powder used in flooring finishes. This process ensures the material reaches the high level of purity and hardness required for protective coatings.
Why Use Aluminum Oxide in Flooring?
Aluminum oxide is grounded into a fine powder that is used as an additive with water-based urethane finishes, the finishes that are added to most hard surface floors like hardwood and LVP. This creates a durable, scratch-resistant layer to the flooring. Aluminum oxide’s hardness factor is essential for protection against scuffs, dents, and any other problems life throws at you. Finishes with metal oxides are the strongest produced in final floor coatings. They are the best for hardwood, bamboo, engineered hardwood, and even laminate. Before Aluminum Oxide, there was a regular poly-urethane finish that didn't contain the metal compound. Before that, hardwood flooring was typically oil-finished.
Does Aluminum Oxide Finish Affect Appearance?
An aluminum oxide finish amplifies the grain patterns and enhances the aesthetics of the wood while providing a surface resistant to scratches. The finish penetrates the upper layers which enhance the grain of each plank. This brings out its character and depth so you are ensured beauty and strength. UV protection is another benefit of this flooring finish. The vibrant color and sheen of a new floor tend to fade over time due to exposure to UV rays coming in through windows, doors, and skylights. Wood protected with aluminum oxide fades slowly, preserving the original look for an extended period of time.
How Long Does Aluminum Oxide Last?
For most flooring products, the coats of aluminum oxide range from 5-10 layers. This really seals and protects the floor and its beauty. Generally speaking, floors finished with aluminum oxide have an average lifespan of 20-25 years. This is double than floors finished with polyurethane, which has about a 10-year lifespan. Now that you know exactly what an aluminum oxide finish is, will you be adding it to your list of must-haves in flooring? I hope so! Here at Georgia Carpet Industries, we have a wide selection of flooring that features an aluminum oxide finish. Call us or visit us in-store/online at georgiacarpet.com and request a quote.
Other Applications of Aluminum Oxide
Because aluminum oxide is chemically stable and ranks high on the Mohs hardness scale, it is utilized across several major industries besides residential flooring:
Abrasives: It serves as the primary grit in industrial grinding wheels and high-performance sandpaper.
Electronics: Its high melting point and electrical insulation properties make it ideal for circuit board substrates.
Medical: The biocompatibility of the mineral allows it to be used in hip replacements and dental implants.
Water Filtration: It is used in treatment facilities to remove contaminants such as fluoride and arsenic.
Aluminum Oxide FAQs
Is aluminum oxide safe for my home and pets?
Yes. While it sounds like a harsh chemical, aluminum oxide is biologically inert. This means it does not react with other chemicals and is stable. Once cured on your floor, it provides a safe surface that does not off-gas harmful fumes, making it safe for children and pets.
Can I refinish a floor with an aluminum oxide finish?
This is the one trade-off for such extreme durability. Because the aluminum oxide finish is so hard (used industrially as an abrasive), it is difficult to sand off using standard home equipment. However, because the finish lasts 20-25 years, refinishing is rarely needed compared to older wood floors.
Why is aluminum oxide used in sandpaper and flooring?
Aluminum oxide is used in both sandpaper and flooring because of its high abrasion resistance. The same property that allows sandpaper to cut through wood allows your floor to resist the friction of shoes and furniture. It essentially creates a shield that protects the wood grain underneath from physical wear.
