As a materials science expert with a focus on metallurgy, I am well-versed in the properties and behaviors of various metals, including aluminum. Let's delve into the intricacies of aluminum and its interaction with fire.

Aluminum is a lightweight, silvery-white metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. It is widely used in various industries, from aerospace to construction, due to these desirable properties. However, when it comes to the question of whether aluminum can be burned, it's important to clarify what "burn" means in this context.

In the traditional sense of combustion, where a material reacts rapidly with oxygen producing heat and light, aluminum does not burn. This is because aluminum, like most metals, does not have a sufficient affinity for oxygen at room temperature to support combustion. However, aluminum can react with oxygen when heated. This reaction is not considered "burning" in the conventional sense but rather an oxidation process.

When aluminum is exposed to high temperatures, such as those found in a fire, it can undergo a phase change. The melting point of aluminum is approximately 660.3 degrees Celsius (1220.5 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, aluminum transitions from a solid to a liquid state. The statement from the December 14, 1982, report you mentioned is accurate in this regard. When the temperature exceeds this melting point, the aluminum surface exposed to the fire can indeed be seen to melt.

However, the melting of aluminum is not accompanied by the flames or smoke typically associated with burning. Instead, the molten aluminum may oxidize, forming aluminum oxide (Al2O3), which is a white solid. This oxide forms a protective layer on the surface of the aluminum, which can slow down further oxidation. This protective oxide layer is quite stable and can prevent the aluminum from reacting further with the oxygen in the air.

It's also worth noting that while aluminum does not burn in the traditional sense, it can still be involved in a fire in other ways. For example, if aluminum powder is dispersed in the air and ignited, it can explode due to the rapid oxidation of the fine particles. This is a different scenario from the melting of solid aluminum and is a result of the increased surface area of the particles, which allows for a rapid reaction with oxygen.

In summary, aluminum does not "burn" in the way that organic materials do, but it can melt and oxidize when exposed to high temperatures. The protective oxide layer that forms can prevent further reaction, but in certain circumstances, such as with aluminum powder, rapid oxidation can lead to an explosion.

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In fire tests on aluminium materials, when the temperature exceeds the melting point, in the range 600-660--C, the aluminium surface exposed to the fire can be seen to melt, but it does not burn.Dec 14, 1982read more >>