Knowra Alloy Alloy An alloy is a metallic material made from two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. Its composition and structure can produce properties unlike those of its constituent elements.
Metallic bonding : Chemical bonding in metals, in which valence electrons are shared across a lattice of metal atoms. Delocalized electrons help explain the electrical, thermal, and mechanical behavior of metallic alloys.
Solid-solution strengthening : Strengthening of a metal when dissolved solute atoms impede dislocation motion. Lattice distortions from alloying atoms make plastic deformation harder.
Steel : An iron–carbon alloy, often containing additional elements, used extensively in construction and manufacturing. Carbon and other additions give iron alloys a wide range of strengths and uses.
Pure metal : A metallic substance composed predominantly of one chemical element. An alloy differs by deliberately combining multiple elements to tailor properties.
Bronze Age : A historical period in which bronze became a major material for tools, weapons, and other objects. Bronze alloying marked a major shift in material production and early technologies.
Crystal structure : The ordered, repeating arrangement of atoms in a crystalline solid. Alloying atoms occupy or distort crystal lattices, influencing strength and other properties.
Precipitation hardening : Strengthening by forming fine particles within a metal matrix to obstruct dislocations. Heat treatment can create precipitates that greatly increase an alloy’s strength.
Stainless steel : A corrosion-resistant steel containing at least about 10.5% chromium by mass. Chromium enables a protective surface film that makes this steel family resistant to corrosion.
Ceramic : An inorganic, nonmetallic material made from compounds such as oxides, carbides, or nitrides. Ceramics are a distinct materials family, even when they contain metallic elements.
Iron Age : A historical period characterized by widespread use of iron for tools and weapons. The adoption of iron and its alloys transformed toolmaking and societies.
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