Arrangement of atoms in metals

Did you know that metals account for about two thirds of all the elements and about 24% of the mass of
the planet? Metals are widely used because of their favorable properties such as strength, ductility, high
melting point, thermal and electrical conductivity, and toughness. These properties also offer clues as to
the structure of metals. As with all elements, metals are composed of atoms. The strength of metals
suggests that these atoms are held together by strong bonds. These bonds must also allow atoms for
metals be hammered into sheets or drawn into wires.

1. The atom of pure metals are packed together closely. This causes the metal to have a hight
density
2. 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.
3. Heat energy can be transferred easily from one atom to the next by vibration. This make metal
good conduct of heat.
4. The freely moving outermost electrons within the metal’s structure are able to conduct electricity.
Metal are, therefore, good electrical conductors.
5. 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.

Malleability and ductility

Metals are described as malleable (can be beaten into sheets) and ductile (can be pulled out into wires).
This is because of the ability of the atoms to roll over each other into new positions without breaking the
metallic bond.

If a small stress is put onto the metal, the layers of atoms will start to roll over each other. If the stress is
released again, they will fall back to their original positions. Under these circumstances, the metal is said
to be elastic.

If a larger stress is put on, the atoms roll over each other into a new position, and the metal is
permanently changed.
Defination

Metallic substance composed of two or more elements, as either a mixture, compound, or solid solution.
The components of alloys are ordinarily themselves metals, though carbon is an essential non-metal
component of steel. Alloys are usually produced by melting the mixture of ingredients. The value of alloys
was discovered in very ancient times; brass (copper and zinc) and bronze (copper and tin) were
especially important. Today the most important are the alloy steels, which have a wide range of special
properties, including hardness, toughness, corrosion resistance, magnetizability, and workability.

Purpose of Making Alloys

Pure metals possess few important physical and metallic properties, such as melting point,
boiling point, density, specific gravity, high malleability, ductility, and heat and electrical
conductivity. These properties can be modified and enhanced by alloying it with some other
metal according to the need.

 Enhance the hardness of a metal: An alloy is harder than its components. Pure metals
are generally soft. The hardness of a metal can be enhanced by alloying it with another
metal or nonmetal.

 Lower the melting point: Pure metals have a high melting point. The melting point lowers
when pure metals are alloyed with other metals or nonmetals. This makes the metals
easily fusible. This property is utilized to make useful alloys called solders.

 Enhance tensile strength: Alloy formation increases the tensile strength of the parent
metal.

 Enhance corrosion resistance: Alloys are more resistant to corrosion than pure metals.
Metals in pure form are chemically reactive and can be easily corroded by the
surrounding atmospheric gases and moisture. Alloying a metal increases the inertness
of the metal, which, in turn, increases corrosion resistance.

Industries of Alloys
Copper alloys

This family of copper alloys is used for a wide variety of applications, such as flex shafts,
valve stems, pump shafts, BOP parts, rock bit bearings and bushings, pump impellers,
wear plates, marine hardware, valve seats and many other high demanding applications
where heavy loads, corrosion, conductivity and/or abrasion are issue of concern.
Aluminium alloys

Aluminium alloys are alloys in which aluminium (Al) is the predominant metal.
The typical alloying elements are copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon,
and zinc. Cast aluminium alloys yield cost effective products due to the low
melting point, although they generally have lower tensile strengths than
wrought alloys. Aluminium alloys are widely used in engineering structures
and components where light weight or corrosion resistance is required and
been very important in aerospace manufacturing since somwhat before 1940.

Composition of Alloys and Their Uses

Alloy Composition Properties Uses

Cupronickel Cu 75% Hard, strong, resists
Coins
(Coins) Ni 25% corrosion
Al 95%
Aeroplane parts, electric cables, racing
Duralumin Cu 4% Light, strong
bicycles
Mg 1%
Fe 99%
Steel Hard, strong, cheap Vehicles, ships, bridges, buildings
C 1%
Fe73% Kitchen appliances, watches, machine
Cr 18% parts,
Stainless steel Hard, rust resistant
Ni 8%
C 1% knives, forks, spoons

Cu 90% Decorative items, medals, artwork, pots

Bronze Hard, strong, shining
Sn 10% and pans
Decorative items, electrical appliances,
Cu 70% Harder and cheaper than musical
Brass
Zn 30% Cu
instruments, bell, nails, screw, pots

Pb 50%
Snider Low melting point, strong Welding and soldering work
Sn 50%
Sn 91%
Malleable, ductile, rust
Pewter Sb 7% Decorative items, souvenirs
resistant
Cu 2%
Al 70% Tyre rim of racing cars, skeletal body of
Magnalium Light, strong
Mg 30% aeroplanes