An alloy is a partial or complete solid solution of one or more elements in a metallic matrix. Complete solid solution alloys give single solid phase microstructure, while partial solutions give two or more phases that may be homogeneous in distribution depending on thermal (heat treatment) history. Alloys usually have different properties from those of the component elements. Alloying one metal with other metal or non metal often enhances its properties. For instance, steel is stronger than iron, its primary element. The physical properties, such as density, reactivity, Young's modulus, and electrical and thermal conductivity, of an alloy may not differ greatly from those of its elements, but engineering properties, such as tensile strength and shear strength may be substantially different from those of the constituent materials. This is sometimes due to the sizes of the atoms in the alloy, since larger atoms exert a compressive force on neighboring atoms, and smaller atoms exert a tensile force on their neighbors, helping the alloy resist deformation. Alloys may exhibit marked differences in behavior even when small amounts of one element occur.
Aluminum alloys 1050 1200 2014 2024 3003 5083 6005
6060 6061 6063 6082 7020 7075
Nickel alloys Monel Nickel 200 Nickel 201 Alloy 400 Alloy 600
Alloy 601 Alloy 617 Alloy 625 Alloy 718 Alloy X-750
Alloy 800 Alloy 800H Alloy C276 Alloy C22 BS 3075:1976
