An alloy is an element with metallic properties that combines two or more substances.
Alloying is the process and consequence of alloying . This action, for its part, refers to melting certain elements to achieve the product known precisely as an alloy, which is made up of two or more components of which, at least one is a metal .
In order to know the meaning of the term, it is important to analyze its etymological origin. In this case, we have to emphasize that it is a word that comes from Latin and is made up of three very well differentiated parts:
- The prefix ad- , which can be translated as "towards" .
- The verb ligare , which is synonymous with "to tie" .
- The suffix -cion , which is equivalent to "action and effect" .
Its components
An alloy, therefore, is an element with metallic properties . Alloys can be made with lead , iron , copper and aluminum , among other metals. As for non-metallic components, sulfur , carbon , phosphorus and silicon are usually used.
According to the predominant component, alloys are classified differently. A ferrous alloy , for example, will have a high amount of iron . Typically, alloys have chemical and physical properties similar to those of metals.
Thermal and electrical conductors, the alloys stand out for their exceptional mechanical properties. They can have great hardness or be very ductile, according to their characteristics. This confirms their usefulness in different contexts.
Alloys have multiple uses.
Alloy Examples
Certain alloys are very popular and are used in multiple areas. It is important to highlight in this case bronze , which was already known 3,000 BC and is the result of an alloy between tin and copper . Discovering it was really important since, among things, it allowed the creation and construction of countless objects. This material achieved such a magnitude that, at a historical level, the stage of discovery and development is known as the Bronze Age . This alloy is used to make ornaments, utensils, weapons, jewelry, coins and musical instruments, among other products .
Steel is also a very widespread alloy throughout the world. It is made up of iron and carbon and can be used to build bridges, tanks, furnaces, various tools , monuments, car parts and many other objects. We can also say that steel has been part of our lives for centuries.
Other materials
Other alloys that we can highlight and that are currently significant are the following:
- Stainless steel , which is obtained from chromium , nickel and also iron.
- White gold , which is mainly used in the field of jewelry. It is composed of gold, nickel , copper and zinc.
- Duralumin , which is an alloy of aluminum, copper, manganese and magnesium.
- Nickel silver , brass and pewter are other of the most common alloys produced by metallurgical companies.