Properties of non ferrous metals

Name 6 non ferrous metals

• Aluminium

• Copper

• Brass

• Bronze

• Zinc

• Lead

Advantages, disadvantages and uses of aluminium

Advantages

• Better corrosion resistance than carbon steels

• Lower density than steel (lightweight)

• Recyclable

Disadvantages

• Not as strong as steels (is alloyed to be stronger)

• Costs more than carbon steels

Uses

• Drinks can

• Wings/body panels for aircraft

Advantages, disadvantages and uses of copper

Advantages

• Ductile

• Malleable

• Excellent electrical and thermal conductor

• Can be polished

Disadvantages

• Oxidises to a green colour

Uses

• Water pipes

• Electrical wires

Advantages, disadvantages and uses of brass

Advantages

• Harder than copper

• Malleable

• Can be machined to a high finish

• Corrosion resistant

• Ductile

Disadvantages

• Difficult to cast

Uses

• Doorknobs

• Musical instruments

• Pressure valve bodies

Advantages and uses of bronze

Advantages

• Harder/tougher than brass

• Corrosion resistant

• Easily machined

• Casts well

• Malleable

Uses

• Cast products like:

  • Statues

  • Sculptures

  • Ornaments

Advantages, disadvantages and uses of zinc

Advantages

• Low melting point

• Relatively cheap (less energy required to melt it)

Disadvantages

• Brittle

• Low corrosion resistance

Uses

• Die casting

  • Car door handles

  • Camera bodies

Advantages, disadvantages and uses of lead

Advantages

• Malleable

• Ductile

• Very good corrosion resistance

Disadvantages

• Soft

• High density

Uses

• Construction (prevents water leaks around roofs)

• Weights for diving

• Radiation shields

• Water pipes (but is harmful to humans)

How can you make aluminium stronger?

Alloy it

Is copper used in its pure form and why

It’s used in its pure form as alloying it reduces its electrical conductivity

What is brass made of?

Copper and zinc

What is bronze made of?

Copper and tin