Metals
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Metals are generally classified into 3 categories: -
Ferrous (Contain Iron - fe)
Non-Ferrous (Don't contain Iron)
Alloys - mixture of metals
As Non-ferrous metals contain iron, they can rust (dependant upon their composition)
Ferrous (Contain Iron - fe)
Non-Ferrous (Don't contain Iron)
Alloys - mixture of metals
As Non-ferrous metals contain iron, they can rust (dependant upon their composition)
Ferrous metals (iron)
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Steel - the most abundant metal in use today, technically an allow as it contains iron and other elements, usually carbon. The most common steel is 'mild steel', easy to shape (malleable). Most of the metal objects around you are made from steel. The one downside of mils steel is that it can rust easily if it comes in contact with moisture. Therefore it needs to be plated or painted. It is cheap and readily available in many forms, easy to work with so therefore worth the effort!
Non-Ferrous metals - (no iron)
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Aluminium - although it is quite abundant in the earth it needs to go through mand processes to end up as the aluminium that we know. It is available in many forms but some of the advantageous properties are: LIGHT, MALLEABLE and STABLE... however it can be soft.
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Tin - A silvery metal that is very stable (not easily oxidised). It is mainly used for manufacturing solder or plating steel and because of its low toxicity it is used in the plating of steel for food cans. Hence the name 'tin can', despite being made mostly of steel!
Alloy - (mixture of metals)
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Stainless Steel - A mixture of steel, Chromium and other metals. Despite being a steel, the chromium forms a passive film of chromium oxide on the surface making the stainless steel stable and resistant to corrosion. Used in areas where cleanliness is important as it is hard wearing and hygienic.
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Duralumin - An aluminium alloy containing copper, magnesium and zinc. Twice as strong as aluminium so used where weight is crucial, ie in aircraft. It is reflective, ductile and impermeable. Duralumin can be shaped easily as it is a malleable metal. It is also a very good conductor of heat and electricity. Duralumin is odorless and because it reacts with the oxygen around it, like aluminium, it forms a layer of substance called aluminum oxide which is resistant to corrosion.