Transparent aluminium is no longer science fiction. Today, it’s a reality thanks to a remarkable material called Aluminium Oxynitride, marketed under the registered trademark ALON and produced by Surmet Corporation. ALON is an advanced transparent polycrystalline ceramic made from powder metallurgy. One of the applications of this see-through metal is for armoured vehicle windows, bridge and walkway floors, or optical device covers.
This cutting-edge material is scratch-resistant and is 85% harder than sapphire, and much more durable than quartz. In addition, it can withstand temperatures of up to 2,100°C and is impervious to exposure to radiation, acids, alkalis, and water.
Unsurprisingly, transparent aluminium has been snapped up by the optical industry as well as the military for defence applications. Additionally, it is used in construction for impact-resistant windows, domes, and other structural elements that require transparency and resistance. Not only does ALON boast the resistance to stop a calibre 50 rifle projectile, but it also offers superior optical performance compared to traditional glass, especially in infrared wavelengths.
While ALON is five times more expensive than standard laminated glass, industry experts confidently anticipate cost reductions as demand grows. It may not be long before it replaces Gorilla Glass on smartphone screens, but watch out – it could damage the pavement if it falls.
Alon: See-through aluminium
