Alloy and Structure of Alloys
An alloy is a combination of two or more metals or a metal and a nonmetal. Each element maintains its original appearance and characteristics but gains other properties from the other elements. Alloys are created when different elements are combined together to form a more useful material. Alloys are typically more desirable than the original elements due to the better qualities they possess, such as increased strength, ductility, and hardness. An alloy is distinguished from a pure metal which consists of just one element.
Alloys are created by combining different metals together. These combinations are often referred to as a “mixture”, “alloy”, or “blend.” The traditional process of alloying involves heat and pressure, although it can also be done chemically. Adding certain elements, such as carbon and boron, can further enhance the properties of the alloy.
The composition and makeup of the alloy elements influences the overall properties of the material. For example, the alloying elements can provide strength, and reducing their size can create a softer material. Alloy structure can influence the final properties and performance of the resulting alloy.
The type of alloy structure also affects the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of an alloy. Depending on the combination of elements in the alloy, different microstructures are formed. The type of structural arrangement affects the properties and performance of the material. For example, an alloy with a grain size of 15 microns has better thermal conductivity than an alloy with a grain size of 10 microns.
Alloy structure can be further divided into two categories: regular solid solution and eutectic. Regular solid solutions are alloys with a uniform and homogenous distribution of the metal atoms. They lack in specific grain size and have received much attention from the materials science community. Eutectic alloys are characterized by the presence of alternating layers of materials with different compositions.
Alloys exhibit a range of properties depending on the combination of elements used. The structure and composition of the material affects the properties, too. Alloys can be used for different applications depending on the particular composition, structure, and properties of the alloy. Alloys have been used in applications as varied as aerospace, military, construction, automotive, and medical.
