METAL ALLOY Meaning and
Definition
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A metal alloy refers to a substance that is composed of two or more metallic elements, where one of them is predominantly, but not necessarily entirely, a metal. This compound results in a unique material that combines the desirable properties of the individual metals, often resulting in enhanced strength, hardness, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Alloys are typically created by melting the base metals together and adding various elements to modify their properties. The added elements, known as alloying elements, can improve specific characteristics such as electrical conductivity, heat resistance, or magnetic properties. Common alloying elements include nickel, chromium, copper, tin, zinc, and manganese, among others.
Metal alloys have a wide range of applications in various industries due to their distinct properties. For instance, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon and is widely used in construction due to its exceptional strength and toughness. Another example is bronze, which is composed of copper and tin and is known for its corrosion resistance and ability to hold fine details, making it suitable for sculptures and musical instruments.
The production and study of metal alloys fall under the discipline of metallurgy. Engineers and metallurgists commonly analyze and experiment with different alloy compositions in order to develop materials with specific characteristics to meet the needs of different applications.
Etymology of METAL ALLOY
The term metal alloy has a straightforward etymology.
The word metal comes from the Middle English word metalle, which has its roots in the Latin word metallum meaning metal. Latin itself borrowed this word from the Greek word metallon which originally meant mine or quarry, referring to the source of metals. In this context, metal refers to a substance that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, and has good conductive properties.
The word alloy comes from the Middle English word alaien or aleien, which means to combine or to mix. This term was derived from the Old North French word alier meaning to bind or to ally. The concept of alloying metals by combining or mixing them together to enhance their properties is at the core of the word alloy.
