A metal alloy is a compound that consists of more than one element. It is usually made by combining two or more metals to produce an entirely new compound metal with unique properties that might be different from the parent ingredients. Although there are quite a few alloys that have been around for some time, the most popular ones being bronze and cast iron, technological advancement has seen countless alloys being developed in the last half a century alone, primarily for industrial application. There are some rare alloys too, that occur in nature without mans intervention.
Metal alloys have many varied and wonderful used in today’s world. Most of the metals that we see around today are alloys and are found in diverse places ranging from your kitchen cabinet to a space shuttle. Alloys find useful application in the manufacturing industry, particularly in the manufacture of automobile parts and in aviation technology. Alloys have also been developed for use in the packaging industry as packaging materials.
Based on the parent metals that they are derived from, alloys can be classified as alloys of aluminum, copper, gold, iron, silver or other metals. Alloys often have more stability than their parent metals as well as increased strength and resistance to corrosion. Steel is a classic example of an alloy being superior in every respect from its parent metal, iron. Unlike iron steel does not rust, is malleable and ductile and possess great strength. Metal alloys are in wide spread use in today’s world and find practical applications in every walk of life.
