1. Metal Treatment

• Fluxing Agent in Aluminium Production: Aluminium fluoride is most prominently used in the aluminium industry. It is an essential fluxing agent in the electrolytic production of aluminium from alumina (Al₂O₃) through the Hall-Héroult process. Aluminium fluoride lowers the melting point of alumina and helps to increase the conductivity of the electrolytic bath, thus improving the efficiency of the aluminium production process.
• Improving Metal Quality: It is also used to improve the quality and properties of other metals by acting as a flux in the refining and casting processes.

2. Chemical Synthesis

• Synthesis of Fluorine Compounds: Aluminium fluoride is used in the synthesis of various fluorine-containing chemicals. It serves as a key precursor for producing aluminum-based fluorides, which are crucial for other chemical processes, particularly in the production of fluorine compounds like hydrofluoric acid (HF) or fluoropolymers.
• Catalyst in Chemical Reactions: It is used as a catalyst in some chemical reactions, particularly in the production of certain fluorochemicals and specialty compounds that require the presence of fluoride ions.

3. Polymers & Resins

• Catalyst in Polymer Production: Aluminium fluoride is used as a catalyst or co-catalyst in some polymerization reactions, especially in the production of certain fluoropolymer resins like PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). It helps in the polymerization process and improves the material properties of the polymers produced.