Definition of alloy

We often fuse two or more metals (or metals and non-metals) to form a metal-like substance called an alloy. But the alloy may contain only one metal element, such as steel. (Steel, a general term for ferroalloys with a carbon content of between 0.02% and 2.04% by mass)

Here we need to note that although it is common for alloys to be generally mixtures, alloys can be pure, such as intermetallic compounds.

The formation of alloys often improves the properties of elemental elements, for example, the strength of steel is greater than its main constituent element, iron. The physical properties of the alloy, such as density, reactivity, Young's modulus, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, may be similar to the constituent elements of the alloy, but the tensile strength and shear strength of the alloy are usually related to the properties of the constituent elements. with large differences. This is due to the large difference in the arrangement of atoms in the alloy and the elemental substance.

A small amount of an element may have a large effect on the properties of the alloy. For example, impurities in ferromagnetic alloys can change the properties of the alloy.

Unlike pure metals, most alloys do not have a fixed melting point. When the temperature is between the melting temperature range, the mixture is in a solid-liquid state. Therefore, it can be said that the melting point of the alloy is lower than that of the component metal. See eutectic mixture.

supplement

Among the common alloys, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; bronze is an alloy of tin and copper for statues, ornaments and church bells. Alloys (such as nickel alloys) are used in some countries' currencies.