The tensile strength of aluminum is not a single value but varies significantly depending on whether it is pure aluminum or an alloy.
Tensile strength is a fundamental material property that measures the maximum stress a material can withstand before it begins to stretch and neck down, leading to fracture when pulled or stretched. For aluminum, this property is highly influenced by its composition and how it has been processed or treated.
Based on available information:
- The tensile strength of pure aluminum is relatively low, typically around 90 MPa. Pure aluminum is soft and ductile.
- However, through alloying and heat treatment, the tensile strength can be dramatically increased. For some heat-treatable alloys, the tensile strength can exceed 690 MPa.
This wide range makes aluminum and its alloys suitable for a vast array of applications, from lightweight foil and electrical conductors (where lower strength pure aluminum might be used) to structural components in aerospace and automotive industries (where high-strength alloys are essential). The specific alloy composition and its temper (achieved through heat treatment or work hardening) are critical factors determining the final tensile strength.
