An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals or a metal and a nonmetal. Alloys are created to improve the properties of a metal, such as its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.A basic example of an alloy is brass, which is a mixture of copper and zinc. Brass has a golden colour and is often used for decorative items like musical instruments and doorknobs.
| Alloy | Composition | Uses | Approximate Composition Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass | Copper and zinc | Decorative items, musical instruments, doorknobs | Copper 60-80%, Zinc 20-40% |
| Bronze | Copper and tin | Statues, bells, medals, coins | Copper 88-95%, Tin 5-12% |
| Stainless Steel | Iron, chromium, and nickel | Cutlery, cookware, medical equipment, construction | Iron 50-70%, Chromium 10-30%, Nickel 10-25% |
| Aluminium Alloy | Aluminium, copper, and magnesium | Aircraft parts, car parts, construction | Aluminium 85-95%, Copper 2-10%, Magnesium 1-7% |
| Titanium Alloy | Titanium, aluminium, and vanadium | Aerospace, medical implants, sports equipment | Titanium 80-90%, Aluminum 5-15%, Vanadium 2-8% |
| Gold Alloy | Gold and other metals like copper, silver, or nickel | Jewellery, coins | Gold 75-90%, Other metals 10-25% |
Pure gold is too soft to use in jewelry. Alloying it with other metals increases its strength and hardness, while retaining its appearance and corrosion resistance.
