Introduction
When there is a need for conventional materials, it is possible to find them in different types of crystal structures and microstructures. Standard crystals, fine-grain metals and micro-particles of metals are all available in different sizes and with different properties. Standard crystals are solid crystals that are grown from the melting point to a predetermined grain size and properties. Fine-grain metals are made from smaller crystals and have better properties than standard crystals due to their grain sizes being smaller. Micro particles of metal are particles that are usually on the scale of just a few nanometers and are quite hard to produce.
Standard Crystals
Standard crystals are the result of making crystals from melting points of a material. This process typically takes place in a laboratory or commercial processing plant. In order for a crystal to form, the material being melted must first be cooled from its melting point to a temperature below its solidification point. Once the material reaches this temperature, the atoms start to align into an ordered pattern and a crystal starts to form. Depending on the material, these crystals can range in size from several millimeters long to several micrometers.
The structure of standard crystals can also be influenced by several factors including temperature and the choice of starting materials. By controlling the temperature while the crystal is growing, the crystal can be grown with a larger or smaller size. This is why some crystals can be grown with features as large as a few millimeters while others are just a few micrometers in size. Additionally, the choice of starting materials can affect the crystallization process as different materials will have different melting points and solidification points which can also influence crystal size and characteristics.
The properties of standard crystals depend on many factors such as the size of the crystals, the type of material, and the environment in which the material was grown. Generally speaking, larger crystals tend to have more mechanical strength and better optical properties. Smaller crystals tend to have higher dielectric properties and higher electrical conductivity. Additionally, the chemicals used to create the crystalline structure may also affect the properties of the crystal, such as by giving it more or fewer electrons in order to alter its electrical properties.
Fine-Grain Metals
Fine-grain metals are created from either melting or mechanical disaggregation of standard crystals. This process typically involves fragmenting the large crystals into smaller particles and then forming the particles together to create small pieces of metal. This process allows for more uniform grain sizes, higher strength, and fewer internal defects. As mentioned before, these types of metals possess better mechanical and electrical properties than their standard crystal counterparts due to their smaller grain size.
Another benefit of fine-grain metals is their ability to be processed and worked into shapes that are not possible with standard crystals. This is because the fine grains make the material more malleable and easier to work with. Additionally, fine-grain metals are also more cost effective than standard crystals due to the cost savings associated with their production.
Micro Particles
Micro particles of metal are particles on the scale of just a few nanometers. These particles are often obtained from chemical reactions, such as precipitation and agglomeration. These particles possess superior properties to those of standard crystalline metals due to their small size. These particles often have higher electrical, optical and mechanical properties due to their small size. Additionally, the particles can be manipulated in a variety of ways and often form nanostructured, bulk materials featuring properties different from the original bulk material.
Conclusion
Overall, standard crystals, fine-grain metals and micro particles of metal are all available and can be used for different applications. Standard crystals have been around for centuries and are still used in many industrial processes, such as electronics and optoelectronics. Fine-grain metals offer higher strength and better electrical properties than conventional crystals, as well as more malleability for processing into different shapes. Finally, micro particles of metal are used for specialized applications due to their high electrical, optical and mechanical properties. Ultimately, all of these materials have their own purpose and can be used for a variety of applications.
