ALUMINUM AS A PROMISING MATERIAL IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are extensively applied in the transport sector and contribute to sustainability, lean production and circular economy as well; their widespread use can be considered as accelerators for transition to Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 concepts. One of the features is that at the end of a vehicle`s life cycle almost all aluminum can be recycled for production of new products. The presence of aluminum in all kinds of transport provides an increase of speed, safety, energy savings and decrease of transport emissions. Thus, with a 10 % reduction in the total weight of the car a fuel saving of 5…10 % is achieved in the total spent fuel per kilometer [Tolun, 2019]. Replacement of 1 kg of steel on 1 kg of aluminum / aluminum alloy in automobile construction decreases the overall carbon dioxide emissions by 5…8 kg CO2-eq. for the life cycle (or per 200,000 km of mileage) [Geyer, 2008; Peppas et al., 2021]. There is also a reduction of total life cycle energy consumption up to 20 % [The Aluminum Association]. Aluminum discs ensure a smooth ride and improved heat dissipation from the braking system. In the event of an accident, aluminum absorbs the impact more effectively than steel.