No, aluminum is not typically considered a suitable material for functional swords. While aluminum has some desirable properties such as light weight and corrosion resistance, it lacks the necessary characteristics for effective sword construction.

Here are some reasons why aluminum is not ideal for swords:

1. Low Strength and Durability: Aluminum is relatively soft and lacks the strength and durability required for a sword. It is more prone to bending, warping, or breaking under the stresses and impact encountered during combat or heavy use.
2. Low Hardness: Aluminum is not as hard as steel, which means it cannot hold a sharp edge well and is more prone to dulling quickly. It would not be able to maintain a sharp cutting edge necessary for effective sword performance.
3. Ductility: Aluminum is highly ductile, meaning it can easily deform without breaking. This property is not desirable in a sword as it needs to maintain its shape and structural integrity during combat. The ductility of aluminum would make it less effective for delivering powerful cuts and thrusts.
4. Wear and Tear: Aluminum is more susceptible to wear and tear compared to harder materials like steel. The blade of an aluminum sword would quickly wear down and become dull after repeated use.

Overall, steel or other appropriate alloys are commonly used for sword construction due to their superior strength, hardness, durability, and ability to hold a sharp edge. While aluminum may have other uses in different industries, it is generally not considered suitable for functional sword blades.