Metals & Alloys

Metals and alloys are fundamental materials in engineering, construction, manufacturing, and various other industries due to their unique properties and versatility. Here's an overview of metals, alloys, and their significance:

Metals:

• Definition: Metals are chemical elements characterized by their luster, ductility, conductivity, and malleability. They have metallic bonding, where electrons are shared between atoms in a lattice structure.
• Common Properties: Metals typically have high electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility (ability to be drawn into wires), malleability (ability to be hammered or pressed into shapes), and high strength.
• Examples: Common metals include iron, aluminum, copper, gold, silver, and titanium. Each metal has its own set of properties and applications.
• Applications: Metals find applications in various industries, including construction (structural steel), transportation (aluminum in airplanes), electronics (copper wiring), and manufacturing (machinery components).

Alloys:

• Definition: Alloys are metallic substances composed of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal. Alloys combine the properties of their constituent elements to create materials with desired characteristics.
• Formation: Alloys are formed through mixing molten metals or by blending powders of different metals followed by solidification.