Definition of Alloy
An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal. Alloys are
created to enhance the properties of the base metal, such as strength, durability, corrosion
resistance, or conductivity.
---Types of Alloys
1. Based on Composition
Substitutional Alloys: Atoms of the components replace each other in the crystal structure.
Example: Brass (Copper + Zinc).
Interstitial Alloys: Smaller atoms fill the spaces (interstices) between larger metal atoms.
Example: Steel (Iron + Carbon).
2. Based on Base Metal
Ferrous Alloys: Contain iron as the primary metal.
Examples: Steel, Cast Iron.
Non-Ferrous Alloys: Do not contain iron as the main metal.
Examples: Brass, Bronze.
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Purpose of Alloying
To improve strength and hardness.
To enhance corrosion resistance.
To reduce melting point or weight.
To achieve specific magnetic or electrical properties.
1. Steel:
Components: Iron and Carbon.
2. Stainless Steel:
Components: Iron, Chromium, and Nickel.
3. Brass:
Components: Copper and Zinc.
Uses: Musical instruments, decorative items, and plumbing fixtures.
4. Bronze:
Components: Copper and Tin.
Uses: Statues, coins, bearings, and ship propellers.
5. Alnico:
Components: Aluminum, Nickel, and Cobalt.
Uses: Magnets for electrical devices.
6. Nichrome:
Components: Nickel and Chromium.
Uses: Heating elements in toasters, ovens, and other appliances.
7. Duralumin:
Components: Aluminum, Copper, and Manganese.
Uses: Aircraft parts, automotive components, and lightweight tools.
8. Solder:
Components: Lead and Tin.
Uses: Joining electronic components and plumbing materials.
9. Amalgam:
Components: Mercury with other metals (e.g., Silver).
Uses: Dental fillings and historical medical applications.
10. Cast Iron:
Components: Iron and Carbon (2-4%).
Uses: Cookware, engine blocks, and pipes.
11. Pewter:
Components: Tin, Copper, Antimony, and Bismuth.
Uses: Utensils and decorative items.
12. Gunmetal:
Components: Copper, Tin, and Zinc
Uses: Bearings, valves, and gears.
13. Magnalium:
Components: Aluminum and Magnesium.
Uses: Aircraft parts, instruments, and fireworks.
14. German Silver:
Components: Copper, Zinc, and Nickel.
Uses: Jewelry, cutlery, and electrical contacts.
15. Electrum:
Components: Gold and Silver.
Uses: Coins, medals, and historical jewelry.
16. Bell Metal:
Components: Copper and Tin (higher tin content than bronze).Uses: Bells and gongs.
17. Ferronickel:
Components: Iron and Nickel.
Uses: Manufacturing stainless steel and special tools.
18. Titanium-Aluminum Alloys:
Components: Titanium and Aluminum.
Uses: Aerospace applications and medical implants.
19. White Gold:
Components: Gold with Nickel or Palladium.
Uses: Jewelry.
20. Monel:
Components: Nickel, Copper, and Iron.
Uses: Marine engineering, chemical equipment, and corrosion-resistant applications.
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Silver metal is not a component of German silver, while zinc, nickel, copper is a component of
german silver.
- Alloy and their component–
Alloy Component
Gun metal – Copper, Tin, Zinc [Cu + Sn + Zn]
German silver – Copper, Zinc, Nickel [Cu + Zn + Ni]
Brass – Copper, Zinc [Cu + Zn]
Bronze – Copper, Tin [Cu + Sn]
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Stainless steel contains Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn) and carbon
elements. It is an alloy. It is hard and does not rust. It is used in making household, utensils,
shaving blades, etc
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Constantan is an alloy consisting of copper (Cu-55%) and Nickel (45%), with high resistance
and its melting point is high. It is used as a thermocouples, resistors and rheostats.
Constantan is also known as Eureka
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