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Pure metals are not widely used in constructions due to low strength. Alloys
have higher strength and other mechanical properties.
An alloy is a substance having metallic properties and being composed of
two or more chemical elements of which at least one is a metal.
Metallic atoms predominate in an alloy composition and the metallic bond
predominates. The element present in the largest proportion is called the
base metal (solvent), whereas all other elements are considered alloying
elements (solute atoms).
Structure of an alloy could be single or multiphase.
Substitutional solution – some of the atoms of the base metals (solvent) are
replaced in their normal lattice sites by solute atoms.
To obtain extensive solid solution (unlimited solubility) the following
general rules must be obeyed:
a/ the difference in atomic radii should be less than 15%,
b/ proximity (nearness) within the periodic table is important (similar
electrochemical potential and the same valency),
c/ the metals must have the same crystal structure.
Interstitial solution – solute atoms are in the voids (holes) between solvent
atoms. The solute atoms must be small relative to the solvent atoms. The
elements like hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and boron have radii less
than 0.1 nm and form interstitial solutions.