EPSA – European Producers of Specialty Aluminas

Specialty Aluminas are synthetic products, often identified as non-metallurgical aluminas to distinguish them from smelter grade alumina, the principal feedstock for Aluminium metal production.

Usually deriving from bauxite ore, carefully controlled processes will produce a variety of forms and grades categorised as aluminium trihydroxide (ATH), activated aluminas, boehmite, calcined alumina, tabular alumina and fused alumina products. Each product in these categories has inherent thermal, electrical and/or chemical properties like superior hardness, mechanical strength and resistance to wear, to high temperatures and to corrosion. This makes of Specialty Aluminas key components in a broad range of applications like flame retardants, ceramic and refractory materials and products, bonded and coated abrasives, pressure blasting and wear resistant floorings and tiles.

CHAIR

Karl-Heinz Spriestersbach (Nabaltec AG)

SUBSTANCES

• Aluminium hydroxide, Hydrated alumina
• Aluminium oxide
• Calcined alumina
• Fused alumina (white & brown)
• Sintered Alumina (tabular alumina)
• Aluminium silicate
• Artificial corundum
• Boehmite
• Calcium aluminate
• Fused spinel
• Magnesium aluminate
• [Carbonato(2-)] hexadecahydroxybis(aluminium)hexamagnesium (Hydrotalcite)
• Mullite

APPLICATIONS

Specialty alumina plays a vital role in a range of critical sectors, underpinning Europe’s transition to net-zero and enhancing advanced technologies:

• Renewable energy:
  • Solar panels: provides high-voltage insulators and enhances light absorption in photovoltaic cells for efficient energy conversion.
  • Wind turbines: used in specialty brake pads, high-voltage insulators, and glass fibres for robust, lightweight blades.
  • Power grid: enables high-performance insulators and components for safe and reliable electricity transmission.
  • Heat pumps: improves efficiency and reliability through thermal insulation and component durability.
  • Fuel cells: acts as a catalyst carrier and supports stable operation under harsh chemical and thermal conditions.
• Defence: provides lightweight, high-strength solutions in security applications and military protective equipment like armour protection.
• Aerospace: incorporated in components requiring high thermal resistance and mechanical strength, it supports the performance and safety of aircraft and spacecraft.
• Mobility:
  • Automotive: used in brake pads and engine components to improve durability, heat resistance, and safety in vehicles.
  • Batteries and storage: functions as a separator coating and enhances thermal stability in advanced battery technologies.
• Chemical processing: acts as a catalyst and absorbent in chemical reactions, increasing efficiency and product purity.
• Green steel production: enhances purity and efficiency in environmentally friendly steelmaking.
• Abrasives (all industries): fused alumina-based abrasives are crucial for precision grinding and polishing. The production of manufacturing equipment wouldn’t be possible without it.
• Health & medical devices: offers biocompatibility and wear resistance in medical implants and prosthetics.
• Digital: used as substrates, manages heat and provides insulation to support miniaturisation and reliability of electronic and telecom devices.
• Construction: enhances wear protection, used in tiles, coatings, and components to resist abrasion and extend service life.
• Food & agriculture: ceramic filters, membranes and components for fresh/waste water treatment and desalination equipment

MEMBERSHIP

7 Members:

ALMATIS GMBH (DE), Alteo (FR), Huber Engineered Materials (DE), Imerys Fused Minerals Villach GmbH (AT), Motim Electrocorundum Ltd. (HU), Nabaltec AG (DE), Silkem d.o.o. (SI)

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the group are to promote and defend European aluminas by
– raising awareness on how essential they are in everyday life thanks to their unique properties,
– monitoring and collaborating to legislative developments and
– ensuring a fair competitive context for European producers on a global market