Alloys

An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one of the elements is a metal. The resulting mixture has different properties than the individual elements alone. Alloys are used in a wide variety of applications, from construction and manufacturing to jewelry and electronics.

Types of Alloys

There are two main types of alloys: substitutional alloys and interstitial alloys.

Substitutional Alloys

In substitutional alloys, the atoms of the different elements are of similar size, so they can replace each other in the crystal structure of the alloy. Common examples of substitutional alloys include brass (copper and zinc) and bronze (copper and tin).

Interstitial Alloys

In interstitial alloys, smaller atoms of one element fit into the spaces between the larger atoms of the other element in the crystal structure. A common example of an interstitial alloy is steel, which is made of iron with small amounts of carbon atoms in the spaces between the iron atoms.

Properties of Alloys

Alloys often have improved properties compared to their component elements. Some of the properties that can be enhanced in alloys include strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity.