ALLOYS

Introduction

ARRANGEMENT OF ATOMS IN METALS

The atom of pure metals are packed together closely. This causes the
metal to have a hight density The forces of attraction between atoms
(metallic bonds) are strong. More heat energy is needed to overcome
the metallic bond so that the atoms are further apart during the
melting. This is why metals usually have hight melting point. Heat
energy can be transferred easily from one atom to the next by
vibration. This make metal good conduct of heat. The freely moving
outermost electrons within the metal’s structure are able to conduct
electricity. Metal are, therefore, good electrical conductors. Since
atoms of pure metal are of the same size, they are arranged orderly in
a regular layered pattern. When a force is applied to metal, layer of
atom slide easily over one another. This make pure metals soft,
malleable and ductile.

The Meaning of Alloy

1. Pure metal are usually too soft for most uses. They also have a low
resistance to corrosion. They rush and tarnish easily.

2. To improve the physical properties of metal, a small amount of

another element (usually metal) is added to form another an alloy.

3. An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals (something non-metal) in

a specific proportion.
For example:
a. Bronze (90% of copper and 10% of tin)
b. Steel (99% of iron and 1% of carbon)
4. The purposes of making alloys include the following:
a) Increase the strength

i. Pure iron is
soft and vary malleable. When a small amount of carbon is added to
iron, an alloy, steal is formed. The more carbon is added, the stronger
the steel becomes.

ii.Pure aluminium is light but not strong. With a small amount of copper
and magnesium are added to aluminium, a strong, light and durable alloy
call duralumin is produced.

b) Improving the resistance to corrosion

i. Iron rust easily but stainless steel which contains 80.6% of iron,
0.4% of carbon, 18% of chromium and 1% of nickel does not rush. These
properties make stainless steel suitable for making surgical instrument
and cutlery.

ii. Pure copper tarnish easily. When zinc (30%) is added, the yellow
alloy which is known as brass develops a high resistance to corrosion.

c) Enhancing the appearance

i. Pewter, an alloy of tin (97%), antimony and copper is not only hard
but also has a more beautiful white silvery appearance.

ii. When copper is mixed with nickel to form cupronickel, an alloy that
has an attractive silvery, bright appearance is formed which is suitable
for making coins.
Composition

Cupronickel Duralumin, Steel Stainless steel, Bronze, Brass, Pewter .

Cu 75% Ni 25% Al 95% Cu 4% Mg 1% Fe 99% C 1% Fe 73% Cr 18% Ni

8% C 1% Cu 90% Sn 10% Cu 70% Zn 30% Pb 50% Sn 50% Sn 91% Sb
7% Cu 2% Al 70% Mg 30%

Properties

Hard, strong, resist corrosion Light, strong Hard, strong, cheap Hard,
rust resistant Hard, strong, shining Harder and cheaper than Cu Low
melting point, strong Malleable, ductile, rust resistant Light, strong
Coins

Uses

Aeroplane part, electric cables racing bicycles Vehicles, bridges,

buildings Kitchen appliance, watches, knifes, fork, spoons, machine
parts Decorative items, medals, artwork, pots & pans Musical
instrument, bell, nails, screw, and pots Welding, soldering work
Decorative items,souvenirs Tyre rim of racing car, skeletal body of
aeroplane

Examples Of Alloys
• Brass
• Bronze
• Stainless Steel
• Bronze
• Steel
• Manganese Steel
Objective

• To know more about synthesis of alloy.

• To identify the uses of alloy.
• To learn the types of alloy.
• Avaluate the uses of alloy.
• Appreciate various synthesis industrial materials.
• Understand the manufacture of synthesis alloy.