Alloy
An alloy is a combination of metals, or of a metal and a nonmetal, that is intentionally created to produce a desired set of properties. Alloys are often stronger or harder than their component metals and may possess other useful characteristics such as corrosion- or heat-resistance. Common alloys include brass, bronze, and steel, which are each composed of two or more metallic elements.
The exact composition and formation of a given alloy must be carefully considered in order to optimize its desired properties. It is important to balance certain elements in order to achieve a product that is both stronger yet more malleable. Depending on how much and which elements are included—and their individual qualities—alloys can possess distinct characteristics such as increased hardness or ductility.
A wide range of alloys are used in various industries, including the production of tools, machines, and aircraft, in addition to the manufacturing of jewelry. Among the most common alloys used in the jewelry industry are gold, silver, copper, and palladium alloys. Certain alloys like gold and sterling silver, for instance, can be casted and polished in a variety of shapes and designs.
Some alloys are difficult to form and may require special tools or high temperatures in order to be properly shaped. This can be seen in the production of wrought iron, which is based on the process of making steel amid temperatures over 1535 degrees Celsius. Wrought iron, which occurs naturally and is made mainly of iron, carbon, and silica, is used in the production of various components and fixtures, such as fences, gates, and handrails.
Steel alloys, which account for a large proportion of manufactured alloys, are created by introducing various elements such as manganese, chromium, or nickel into molten iron. Steel alloys exert superior strength when compared with the metals they comprise, and are more malleable than some other alloys. Steel is used in the production of a wide range of products such as tools, nails, railroads, buildings, and machines.
Titanium alloys are also utilized in industry for the production of parts that require superior strength, low weight, and resistance to external influences. Titanium alloys are composed of titanium along with other metallic elements, and are particularly useful in aerospace applications due to their high endurance and ability to resist corrosion.
Additionally, some alloys, such as superalloys, are developed for their heat-resistant characteristics. These alloys retain strength at high temperatures, and are commonly used in jet and nuclear engines, as well as in industrial furnaces. Superalloys are usually composed of metals such as nickel, cobalt, and chromium.
Alloys require carefully controlled compositions and formations in order to ensure desired qualities and properties. A wide range of alloys are used in various industries due to their particular properties and resistance to environmental influences. Alloys can be used in the production of tools, machines, and aircraft, in addition to the manufacture of jewelry.
