Introduction to Alloys

Study Notes

An alloy consists of a metallic base, typically comprising the majority of the material, combined with metal or non-metal components as property modifiers.
Alloys are engineered through experimentation to exhibit specific desirable properties not present in the base material.

Alloys are formed by merging a primary base element with various secondary elements.
The base element serves as the foundational structure and solubility medium, uniformly dispersing secondary elements.
Secondary elements are added in precise proportions to enhance the final material's properties.
The final alloy showcases a mixture of characteristics from all constituents, often resulting in unexpected performance improvements that individual components do not exhibit.

Alloys are created through smelting and blending the base metal with additional elements, followed by cooling.
The mixing can occur while in a molten state; however, non-metallic additives may be incorporated post-solidification using various methods.

Two main families of alloys exist: substitutional and interstitial.
Substitutional Alloys (e.g., brass, bronze) are formed when atoms of the alloying elements, which are similar in size to the base metal atoms, occupy the same lattice sites.
This substitution allows for property adjustments within the material's lattice structure, enhancing its overall strength and stability.
Substitution often stresses the lattice, reducing planar slip potential by creating barriers that obstruct movement.