Metal alloys are materials formed by mixing two or more components, at least one of which is metal. The metal must also be found in greater quantity in the mixture.
They are created by heating the alloy components to their respective melting points, together or in isolation, followed by cooling and solidification.
Alloys are characterized by providing or modifying properties that metals do not have. Among these features, the following stand out:
- Electrical and thermal conductivity;
- Corrosion resistance;
- Shine;
- Mechanical resistance;
- Melting temperature.
Thus, alloys offer properties that metals alone do not have, contributing to their use in different purposes.
Types and Examples
Metal alloys are divided into:
- Ferrous metal alloys: Show iron as the main constituent. In general, they are easily corroded. Examples: steel and cast iron.
- Non-ferrous metal alloys: As the name implies, do not feature iron. They are more resistant to corrosion. Examples: aluminum, bronze, brass and amalgam alloys.
Steel
Steel is an iron alloy carbon, as it is basically formed by the two elements: iron (98.5%) and carbon (0.5 to 1.7%), in addition to small amounts of silicon, sulfur and phosphor.
It is used to manufacture metallic structures, especially in civil construction, which tend to suffer more traction. It is also found in pans, nails, screws, doors, gates and steel wool.
Stainless steel
O stainless steel it is formed from common steel and also has chromium and nickel.
Its main characteristic is that it does not rust, an important condition to prevent corrosion of metallic materials. Thus, it is a good material for the production of domestic utensils, civil construction instruments and parts for automobiles and industries.
Bronze
O bronze is a metallic alloy whose main elements are the copper and tin. It can also feature aluminum, silicon and nickel.
It is used for the production of industrial equipment, tools, hydraulic connections and decorative objects. For a long time it was still used in the composition of coins.
18 carat gold
O gold 18 carats is formed by gold (75%), silver (13%) and copper (12%). This composition guarantees hardness, strength, durability and shine, conditions that allow its use in the production of jewelry pieces.
Pure gold is very malleable and therefore is not used in the production of jewelry, it is necessary to add other metals. The term carat refers to the amount of gold present in the alloy.
Brass
Brass has copper (67%) and zinc (33%). It is characterized by being a malleable alloy, shiny and good electrical and thermal conductor.
It is used in the production of weapons, ammunition, medical devices, screws, nuts, hinges, keys, springs, sanitary metals and costume jewelry.
Amalgam
Amalgam has in its constitution silver (70%), tin (18%), copper (10%) and mercury (2%). Its main application is for dental fillings.
Learn more, read also:
- Metal links
- Oxidation
- Chemical elements
- Periodic table
- Niobium
