What is High-Purity Alumina (HPA)?

High-Purity Alumina (HPA) is a high-purity form of aluminium oxide (Al2O3). It is usually manufactured through the hydrolysis of aluminium oxide, hydrochloric acid leaching, underwater spark discharge with aluminium and vapour-phase oxidation processes. This bright and non-metallurgical alumina product is non-corrosive and is valued for its superior properties and characteristics. This premium product can be classified into 4N, 5N and 6N, depending upon the level of purity and is highly sought after for its chemical stability, corrosion and scratch resistance, very high melting point and good thermal conductivity but high electrical insulation.

This high-value, high margin product is why high purity alumina producers are working to secure more project sites across Australia. This mineral finds extensive applications in manufacturing artificial sapphire substrates, Light-emitting diode (LED) lights, semiconductor wafers, ceramics, phosphors, synthetic gemstones, smartphone components, and glass for wristwatches, optical windows and televisions.It is important to note that there is no substitute material for HPA in the manufacture of synthetic sapphire.

Increasingly, high purity alumina is seeing strong demand for use in lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, where it is used as a coating on the ceramic cathodic separator sheets.

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 High-Purity Alumina Demand Outlook

The global high purity alumina market is estimated to showcase a CAGR of 18.6%, during the projected phase of 2021 – 2026. As worldwide markets continue in their strong demand for cleaner energy solutions, the growing preference towards LED bulbs, surging demand for electric vehicles and the development of ready-to-use medical bio-ceramics for orthopedic and dental implants will continue to drive HPA’s future growth.

Rising environmental consciousness and government support, has lead to a shift towards the adoption of LED-based equipment across the globe. Alongside this movement, significant growth in the electronics industry is also anticipated, where HPA is a key product used to fabricate semiconductors. This demand sees high purity alumina producers to benefit from this consistent and emerging product consumption.

Additionally, several developed and non-developed governments worldwide such as the U.S., Germany, China, and India have continued to outline their plans to reduce carbon emissions, curb environmental pollution and reduce dependency on traditional fuel sources. As such, owing to these environmental regulations imposed, many automobile manufacturers are focusing on the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EV’s). With this fundamental shift, the demand for Li-ion batteries has also drastically increased and will likely continue to drive the demand for high purity alumina.

High-Purity Alumina Use Applications

  • LED Bulbs

    High purity alumina is integral in the production of LED lighting systems. Synthetic sapphire wafer substrates made from HPA are used in LED lighting systems and displays due to its extraordinary thermal conductivity and ultra-pure surface.

  • Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Batteries

    High purity alumina is used in the manufacturing of Lithium-Ion Batteries as a coating on the ceramic cathodic separator sheets. HPA is one of the key components used in the production of Li-Ion batteries and improves the batteries overall performance, reliability and safety. HPA is a key enabler of the e-mobility and energy storage revolution.

  • Manufacturing of Artificial Sapphire Glass

    High purity alumina is used to make synthetic sapphire which acts as a tough scratchproof glass in smartphones, watches and televisions. HPA is highly sought after for its extreme hardness, its ability to transmit in UV, visible and infrared wavelengths, and for its high melting point and thermal conductivity. There is no substitute for HPA in the manufacture of synthetic sapphire.

  • Semiconductor Wafers

    A semiconductor wafer is a thin slice of semiconductor substance, like crystalline silicon, used in electronics for the making of integrated circuits. As a raw material, HPA is a key component in the production of semiconductor wafers making it a great opportunity for high purity alumina producers to contribute to the making of various technology products.

  • Ceramics

    HPA is used in the development of ready-to-use medical bioceramics for orthopedic and dental implants. Orthopedic implants – in particular, artificial hip-joint ‘balls’ – and tooth implants are the most common uses for HPA in the medical industry. High purity alumina bio-ceramics are ideal for these applications as they show high resistance against corrosion and are wear-resistant.

  • Phosphur

    HPA controls the characteristics of phosphors used for plasma display panels in TVs and computer screens. Plasma displays are bright and can show a wide range of colors. They can be made in quite big sizes, up to 3.8 meters (150 inches) diagonally. One great thing about them is that they have a very dark black level, which means the black parts look really dark, unlike the lighter grey on an unlit LCD screen. High purity alumina producers are poised to reap the rewards of an ever-growing product demand, as consumption levels continue to rise steadily.