Non-Ferrous Metals and Aluminum Properties

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of non-ferrous metals?

All metals not containing iron

What are some examples of non-ferrous metals?

Aluminum, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Magnesium, Silver, Gold, Tantalum

Aluminum is the most ________.

abundant metal on earth's crust

Aluminum is obtained from an ore called ___________.

Bauxite Signup and view all the answers

Aluminum is never found in the ____________.

free state of nature Signup and view all the answers

Is aluminum magnetic?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is aluminum's surface finish?

Dull to extremely shiny (when polished) Signup and view all the answers

What is the weight of aluminum compared to steel?

1/3 that of steel Signup and view all the answers

What is the density of aluminum?

168.5 lbs/ft^3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the melting point of aluminum in its pure state?

1220 F Signup and view all the answers

What is the electrical conductivity ranking for aluminum?

4th Signup and view all the answers

What is the thermal conductivity ranking for aluminum?

3rd Signup and view all the answers

What is the tensile strength for aluminum in its pure state?

13,000 (very weak) Signup and view all the answers

What are the alloying elements for aluminum?

Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Silicon, Zinc, Thorium, Lithium Signup and view all the answers

What properties does copper add to aluminum?

Improves hardenability, strength, workability, corrosion resistance, reduces shrinkage in castings. Signup and view all the answers

What does manganese improve in aluminum?

Corrosion resistance and strength Signup and view all the answers

What properties does magnesium provide to aluminum?

Improves machining but oxidizes rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

What does silicon improve in aluminum?

Fluidity, gas tightness, and reduces shrinkage in castings. Signup and view all the answers

What properties does zinc provide to aluminum?

High strength, improves machining, improves casting. Signup and view all the answers

What do thorium and lithium add to aluminum?

Creates the lightest construction metals yet found. Signup and view all the answers

What does 1xxx classification indicate in aluminum?

99% pure Al or greater Signup and view all the answers

What elements are mentioned in the 6xxx classification of aluminum?

Magnesium and Silicon Signup and view all the answers

Which classification includes other elements like lithium and zirconium?

8xxx Signup and view all the answers

What follows the four-digit identification number?

A letter and number often indicate how the Aluminum was hardened. Signup and view all the answers

F classification means __________.

fabricated, no special control over hardness Signup and view all the answers

O classification means __________.

annealed, softest type (5052-O) Signup and view all the answers

H classification means __________.

strain hardened (cold worked), strength is increased by work hardening Signup and view all the answers

T classification means __________.

precipitation hardened (solution heat treated) Signup and view all the answers

W classification means __________.

quenched after solution heat treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is magnesium known for?

Easiest metal for machining Signup and view all the answers

What ranking does magnesium hold in thermal conductivity?

4th Signup and view all the answers

What ranking does magnesium hold in coefficient of thermal expansion?

3rd Signup and view all the answers

What is the ranking of magnesium for electrical conductivity?

6th Signup and view all the answers

What test immediately turns magnesium grey but does not affect aluminum?

Nitric acid Signup and view all the answers

What tests can turn magnesium black but do not affect aluminum?

Zinc chloride solution, copper sulfate solution, and 50% hydrochloric acid solution. Signup and view all the answers

What is magnesium extracted from?

Magnesium chloride extracted from sea-water and magnesium ores such as magnesite, dolomite, and brucite. Signup and view all the answers

Pure magnesium has ________________.

low corrosion resistance, hardenability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Non-Ferrous Metals Overview

Non-ferrous metals are those that do not contain iron.
Common examples include aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, tin, magnesium, silver, gold, and tantalum.

Aluminum Characteristics

Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust.
Extracted from the ore bauxite.
Found in nature only in combined states, not in its free elemental form.
Non-magnetic and has a surface finish ranging from dull to extremely shiny when polished.
Weighs one-third that of steel and has a density of 168.5 lbs/ft³.
Melting point in pure state is 1220°F.
Ranks 4th in electrical conductivity and 3rd in thermal conductivity.
Low tensile strength at approximately 13,000 psi in pure form.

Aluminum Alloying Elements

Common alloying elements include copper, manganese, magnesium, silicon, zinc, thorium, and lithium.
Each element enhances specific properties:
- Copper: Improves strength, workability, and corrosion resistance; noted in 2xxx series (non-weldable).
- Manganese: Enhances corrosion resistance and strength; found in 3xxx series.
- Magnesium: Aids machining but has rapid oxidation; noted in 5xxx series.
- Silicon: Increases fluidity and gas tightness while reducing shrinkage in castings; associated with 4xxx series.
- Zinc: Provides high strength and improves machining and casting, particularly in 7xxx series (7075 alloy is particularly strong).
- Thorium and Lithium: Innovative elements used in lightweight construction metals for aerospace applications.

Aluminum Classifications and Treatment

Wrought aluminum classifications are designated by a four-digit numbering system:
- 1xxx: ≥99% pure aluminum.
- 6xxx: Contains magnesium and silicon.
- 8xxx: Encompasses other elements like lithium, zirconium, boron.
Following the four-digit identification, letters are added to indicate heat treatment and hardening:
- F: Fabricated with no specific control over hardness.
- O: Annealed, representing the softest type.
- H: Strain hardened, achieving increased strength.
- T: Precipitation hardened; the number indicates hardness level (T2 to T10).
- W: Quenched after solution heat treatment.

Magnesium Properties

Lightweight, soft, silver-white metal closely resembling aluminum, but approximately one-third lighter.
Ranks 4th in thermal conductivity and 3rd in coefficient of thermal expansion.
Known as the easiest metal to machine.
Ranks 6th in electrical conductivity.
Chemical tests reveal differences:
- Nitric acid turns magnesium grey while aluminum remains unaffected.
- Zinc chloride, copper sulfate, and 50% hydrochloric acid solutions turn magnesium black but do not affect aluminum.
Extracted from magnesium chloride sourced from seawater and minerals like magnesite, dolomite, and brucite.
Pure magnesium exhibits low corrosion resistance and hardenability.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of non-ferrous metals with a focus on aluminum. This quiz covers aluminum's characteristics, its abundant presence in the Earth's crust, and the effects of various alloying elements. Test your knowledge on metallurgy and the specific traits that make non-ferrous metals unique.