Difference Between Calcined Alumina and Alumina – Preparation, Properties, and Applications
Calcined Alumina and Alumina are two important materials derived from aluminum hydroxide minerals. Although they share the same basic element—aluminum oxide (Al2O3)—their preparation methods, physical properties, and applications differ significantly. As a professional Manufacturer and Supplier of Calcined Alumina and related materials, BanlanChem provides high-purity alumina powders and Wholesale solutions for ceramics, refractories, and polishing industries.
Contents
- What Is Calcined Alumina?
- What Is Alumina?
- Main Differences Between Calcined Alumina and Alumina
- Comparison of Key Properties
- Applications in Industry
- Price Difference and Production Cost
- How to Choose Between Calcined Alumina and Alumina
- Related Products & Internal Links
- Contact the Manufacturer
What Is Calcined Alumina?
Calcined Alumina is obtained by heating aluminum hydroxide minerals at very high temperatures—typically above 1100°C. During this calcination process, the material loses its water molecules (crystal water) and converts into a stable alpha-phase alumina (α-Al2O3).
- Produced by thermal decomposition of aluminum hydroxide.
- Particles are larger and harder.
- Usually white or gray in color.
- High thermal and chemical stability.
Calcined Alumina is widely used in ceramics, refractories, polishing, and electronic materials. As a professional Factory and Wholesale Supplier, BanlanChem provides consistent grade control and customized powder sizes for different industries.
What Is Alumina?
Alumina refers to aluminum oxide (Al2O3) that can be produced by chemical processes using bauxite or industrial aluminum hydroxide. Unlike calcined alumina, this form is not obtained by thermal calcination but rather through controlled chemical reactions.
- Prepared by chemical reaction rather than calcination.
- Has smaller, softer particles.
- Usually appears as fine white powder.
- Good electrical insulation and chemical stability.
Because of its fine particle structure and purity, Alumina is used in catalysts, coatings, chemicals, and high-purity aluminum production. Learn more about Alumina Powder from BanlanChem.
Main Differences Between Calcined Alumina and Alumina
Though both originate from aluminum hydroxide, Calcined Alumina and Alumina differ in several key aspects. The table below summarizes their main distinctions:
| Feature | Calcined Alumina | Alumina |
|---|---|---|
| Production Method | Thermal calcination (above 1100°C) | Chemical preparation from bauxite or hydroxide |
| Particle Size | Larger, coarse particles | Fine powder with small particles |
| Hardness | Harder and denser | Softer and more reactive |
| Color | White or grayish white | White |
| Thermal Stability | Excellent at high temperature | Moderate stability |
| Applications | Ceramics, refractories, polishing, electronics | Chemicals, coatings, catalyst supports, aluminum refining |
In short, Calcined Alumina is a high-temperature engineered material, while Alumina serves as a versatile chemical raw material.
Comparison of Key Properties
- Calcined Alumina has excellent hardness and heat resistance, suitable for abrasive and refractory products.
- Alumina has fine particle size, good dispersibility, and stable insulation performance.
- Both materials are chemically inert and corrosion-resistant.
- Calcined Alumina maintains crystalline structure; Alumina is often amorphous.
Applications in Industry
Calcined Alumina Applications
- High-performance ceramics and substrates.
- Refractory linings and castables.
- Polishing and lapping compounds for glass and metal.
- Electronic ceramics and insulation coatings.
Alumina Applications
- Catalyst carrier and chemical fillers.
- Raw material for high-purity aluminum metal.
- Used in paints, coatings, and polishing slurries.
Learn more about our Activated Alumina Powder and Tabular Alumina for specialized applications.
Price Difference and Production Cost
The production cost of Alumina is relatively lower because it is prepared by chemical reactions using bauxite or industrial hydroxide. Its process is simpler, resulting in a more affordable price in the market.
In contrast, the Calcined Alumina process requires high-temperature furnaces and longer heating cycles. This makes the material more expensive due to higher energy consumption and quality control needs.
- Alumina: lower price, simpler process.
- Calcined Alumina: higher cost, more complex calcination steps.
- Price depends on purity, particle size, and global market demand.
BanlanChem offers both Calcined Alumina and Alumina with transparent pricing, direct Factory quotations, and Wholesale supply for international buyers.
How to Choose Between Calcined Alumina and Alumina
Consider these factors before selecting the right material for your application:
- If you need heat resistance and hardness → Choose Calcined Alumina.
- If you need high purity and reactivity → Choose Alumina.
- For polishing and ceramics → Use fine-grade Calcined Alumina powder.
- For catalyst and chemical use → Select high-purity Alumina.
For assistance, contact our Manufacturer team at BanlanChem.com for technical recommendations and grade selection.
Related Products & Internal Links
Contact the Manufacturer
Looking for a reliable Calcined Alumina and Alumina Manufacturer? BanlanChem offers OEM service, Wholesale supply, and export packaging for global partners. Visit BanlanChem.com to request product data sheets and pricing.
