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Alloys

Does anyone know an "a level" explanation for why alloys are better than pure metal? Is it something to do with dislocations and stuff? (this is for my physics coursework!)

Thanks :smile:
What do you mean by "better than"?
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Avatar for master y
master y
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Original post by Stonebridge
What do you mean by "better than"?


stronger... generally more useful.:cool:
Original post by master y
stronger... generally more useful.:cool:


Yes it is to do with dislocations.
Pure metals generally contain a moderate number of dislocations in the crystal structure. These dislocations contribute to the relative weakness of pure metals.
In an alloy, "foreign" atoms (such as carbon in steel) are introduced into the lattice to inhibit the motion of the dislocations and thus strengthen the material.
Reply 4
Avatar for master y
master y
OP
12
Original post by Stonebridge
Yes it is to do with dislocations.
Pure metals generally contain a moderate number of dislocations in the crystal structure. These dislocations contribute to the relative weakness of pure metals.
In an alloy, "foreign" atoms (such as carbon in steel) are introduced into the lattice to inhibit the motion of the dislocations and thus strengthen the material.


Thanks! :smile:

Do you know anything about microstructure and mactructure of alloys? I don't really know how to distinguish them... :L

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