Introduction
Alloys are a combination of two or more elements that often possess improved mechanical or physical properties than those of either of their constituent elements. They are widely used in many different industries, from aerospace and automobile manufacturing to domestic products and kitchenware. Non-crystalline alloys, also known as amorphous alloys, are a special kind of alloy which are distinguished as having a disordered atomic structure as opposed to the ordered atomic structure of crystalline alloys.
High-speed development of Non-Crystalline Alloys
Non-crystalline alloys are a rapidly developing field in alloy research. These materials have the potential to be used in a wide range of applications due to their unique combination of properties. Non-crystalline alloys tend to have higher strength, higher modulus, higher wear and abrasion resistance, more stable glass transitions, and better fatigue resistance compared to crystalline alloys. Non-crystalline alloys also have excellent corrosion and temperature resistance, as they do not suffer from the large grain size and grain boundaries that are present in crystalline alloys. Additionally, non-crystalline alloys do not suffer from the embrittlement or tempering that is associated with crystalline alloys.
The development of non-crystalline alloys has been driven by improvements in production technologies such as quenching and the incorporation of special alloying elements. The incorporation of rare earth elements such as yttrium and cerium have helped to increase the strength and modulus of non-crystalline alloys. Additionally, the addition of carbon has enabled the production of the first metallic glasses, which are an important sub-class of non-crystalline alloys.
Applications
Non-crystalline alloys can be used in a wide variety of applications due to their unique properties. They can be used in cutting tools, as non-crystalline alloys can maintain their sharp edge for longer periods of time. Additionally, non-crystalline alloys can be used in precision instruments such as optical and medical devices due to their stronger strength, lower thermal expansion, higher corrosion resistance, and better fatigue resistance. Non-crystalline alloys can also be used in automotive parts due to their higher wear and abrasion resistance, better fatigue properties, and better thermal resistance.
The use of non-crystalline alloys in aerospace applications has been very limited thus far, however there is potential for their use in the development of lighter and more durable components in the future. Additionally, non-crystalline alloys have the potential to be used in the production of microelectronics components such as transistors and microprocessors, due to their thermally stable glass transitions and the ability to form thin films.
Conclusion
Non-crystalline alloys are a rapidly developing area of alloy research, and have numerous potential applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, precision instruments, and microelectronics. Non-crystalline alloys can be additively produced with the addition of special alloying elements, and possess improved strength and corrosion resistance compared to crystalline alloys. Their use in a wide variety of industrial applications, including cutting tools, medical devices, automotive parts, and microelectronics components, will enable the development of lighter, more durable and precise components in the coming years.
