Non-ferrous alloys
Non-ferrous alloys are a category of metallic materials composed of multiple elements, chiefly non-iron based. When alloying elements are added to the base metals, the new material exhibits vastly improved properties in comparison to the base metal alone. The properties of the alloy depend upon the physical and chemical properties of its components.
The primary benefit of using non-ferrous alloys is their resistance to corrosion. Non-ferrous alloys, such as aluminum, brass, or bronze offer superior corrosion resistance, making them ideal for use in marine environments and applications where exposure to chemicals is common. Due to their corrosion resistance, these alloys are also well suited for use in applications where environmental conditions cannot be controlled, such as water pipes exposed to atmospheric moisture.
Non-ferrous alloys can also offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning they are lightweight yet durable. Many non-ferrous alloys are also ductile (or malleable), meaning they can be formed into shapes and components of various sizes and thickness for many applications. Furthermore, non-ferrous alloys are often valued for the electrical and thermal conductivity, providing important applications for electrical components and heating and cooling systems.
Non-ferrous alloys find extensive use due to their ability to modify properties such as strength, ductility, and electrical and thermal conductivity. Examples of non-ferrous alloys include aluminum-silicon alloys, brass, and steel-nickel alloys. These alloys are often employed in applications such as car manufacturing, aerospace engineering, and construction.
Aluminum-silicon alloys are particularly valuable for heavy duty construction projects due to their superior strength and ductility. This alloy is particularly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for applications such as water pipes and boats. Aluminum-silicon alloys also find use in modern car manufacturing, where they are employed in light-weight components such as engine blocks and pistons, as well as to improve fuel efficiency.
Brass is a copper-zinc alloy used for applications such as electrical connectors, automotive components, and architectural constructions. Brass is valued for its excellent corrosion-resistance, its strength, and its ability to conduct both electricity and heat. Brass is a relatively cheap alloy, employing up to 40-50% zinc in its composition and 3-45% copper.
Steel-nickel alloys, such as stainless steel, are the most widely used non-ferrous alloys. Stainless steel finds applicability in numerous industries, with its most common uses including cookware, cutlery, tankers, pipelines, and medical equipment. The most common stainless steel alloy is AISI 304, which contains 18-20% chromium and 8-10% nickel, as well as smaller amounts of other elements like manganese and nitrogen.
Non-ferrous alloys are widely used in today’s world due to their superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. These alloys are created by combining two or more elements to find the right alloy with the desired properties. Metal alloys are often used to create products such as cars, aerospace components, and electrical components. The specific alloy used for an application will depend upon its needed physical and chemical properties, with alloys such as aluminum-silicon, brass, and stainless steel being among the most widely used.
