Metallurgy
Metallurgy is a domain of materials science and engineering that studies the physical and chemical behavior of metallic elements, their inter-metallic compounds, and their mixtures, which are called alloys. Metallurgy is used to separate metals from their ore. Metallurgy is also the technology of metals: the way in which science is applied to the production of metals, and the engineering of metal components for usage in products for consumers and manufacturers.
The production of metals involves the processing of ores to extract the metal they contain, and the mixture of metals, sometimes with other elements, to produce alloys. Metallurgists are employed in metal production, performing chemical analyses on ores and other raw materials to determine their composition and purity. In addition, they also research and develop effective extraction and production processes for new products and new sources of materials.
Metallurgy has a significant impact on the socioeconomic development and quality of life of many countries. Generally, countries that have access to more metals are considered more developed. Metallurgical skills and technology play an important role in the defense, electronics, aerospace and energy sectors. Recycling is an important branch of metallurgy, in which old scrap material is reprocessed back into useful metals and alloys.
Metallurgy is an ancient discipline, having been around for centuries. The Iron Age, for example, marks the advent of the most important of all metals: Iron. In the years since then, metals have been used to fashion tools, weapons, and other items. Throughout the centuries, mankind has come up with ways to manipulate metals to increase their strength and the hardness of their components. Today, metallurgical processes are used in various industries, ranging from automotive to space technology.
As is the case with many other scientific fields, the science of metallurgy has adopted numerous concepts and theories from other areas, such as chemistry, physics and engineering. These concepts, such as thermodynamics and kinetics, have enabled metallurgists to understand and control the various processes involved in metal production, from extraction to finishing. Fundamentally, metallurgy is concerned with transforming raw materials of often low purity into alloys and useful components with specific properties.
Metallurgical research has yielded a wealth of knowledge about the structure and behavior of metals and alloys. This knowledge is used to design and produce metals that meet specific requirements. Examples include the crystalline structure and physical properties of aluminum alloys for aircrafts, the composition and forming behavior of stainless steel for cookware, and the strength and ductility of steel rebar for civil engineering applications. Metallurgists continue to seek new and innovative ways to refine, cast and work metals and alloys, while conserving resources and minimizing waste.
Metallurgy has greatly transformed the way we live, revolutionizing our transportation, energy and communications networks, as well as our lifestyle and economy. By understanding the underlying principles of materials science and engineering, metallurgists are at the forefront of the technological advances that drive modern life.
