Metals and Alloys

What are the uses of aluminium?

1. To make cans to store drinks

2. To make window frames

3. To make foil used in cooking

4. To make cooking utensils

What are alloys?

These are mixtures of 2 or more metals though a few may contain nonmetals

What are alloys of aluminum?

Duralumin and magnalium

What are the uses of duralumin?

This is used to construct aircraft and the bodies of motor vehicles

What are the properties of duralumin?

1. It is stronger, harder, and more workable than aluminum

2. It is light in weight and resistant to corrosion.

What are the uses of magnalium?

To manufacture aircraft and motor vehicle parts

What are the properties of magnalium?

1. It is stronger, more workable, and lighter in weight than aluminium

2. It is more resistant to corrosion than aluminium

What are the alloys of iron?

1. Mild steel

2. High carbon steel

3. Stainless steel

4. Cast iron

What are the uses of mild steel?

1. To construct buildings, bridges, oil rigs, ships, trains, and motor vehicles

2. To make tin cans to store food

3. To make wire and nails

What are the properties of mild steel?

1. It is harder and stronger than iron

2. It is malleable and ductile so it is easy to shape

3. It is easy to weld

What are the uses of high carbon steel?

To make cutting tools, chisels, knives, drill bits and masonry nails

What are the properties of high carbon steel?

It is harder than mild steel, but more brittle

What are the uses of stainless steel?

1. To make cutlery, kitchen equipment, sinks, surgical equipment, and implants

2. Used in the construction of modern buildings

What are the properties of stainless steel?

1. It is harder, stronger, and much more resistant to corrosion than carbon steels.

2. It is malleable, ductile, and easy to work with

3. It has a very shiny, attractive appearance

What are the uses of cast iron?

It is used to make small castings, e.g. cylinder blocks in engines, railings, gates, manhole covers, hinges, and cast iron cookware.

What are the properties of cast iron?

1. It is easy to cast into exact shapes

2. It is hard, but more brittle than steel; it shatters rather than bends when hit.

What is the alloy of lead?

Lead solder

What are the uses of lead solder?

It is used to join metal items together, e.g. wires and pipes

What are the properties of lead solder?

1. It has a low melting point so it melts easily when joining the metals

2. It is as resistant to corrosion as lead, but stronger and harder.