Non-Ferrous Metals Flashcards
What is the source of copper?
- Copper ore
From low-grade copper sources via: - phytomining
- bioleaching
Properties of copper
• good electrical and thermal conductor
• corrosion resistant; low reactivity
• very ductile and malleable
•Tough
•Polishes well but can oxidise to a green colour
•Welds easily
- easily alloyed with other metals (eg for brasses and bronzes)
What is the appearance of copper
Rose colour / red-brown
Applications of copper
- Electrical wiring and electromagnets
- Tubing
- Kettles
- Bowls
- Water pipes and plumbing parts
- Roofing (it’s waterproof)
Source of aluminium
Bauxite
Properties of aluminium
- Low density
- Corrosion-resistant by forming an oxidation layer
- Strong even when under tensile stress
- Good conductor
- Soft, malleable and ductile (so bends and dents easily)
- Machines well and easily worked
Appearance of aluminium
- Reflective
- Light grey with matt finish
Uses of pure aluminium
- Wide range of domestic products and containers eg kitchen utensils
- packaging eg foil and drink cans
(because it is strong, light, corrosion resistant and ductile, so easily formed)
Potential compositions of aluminium alloys
Up to 97% aluminium
- Up to 5% silicon
- Up to 3% copper
- Up to 0.8% magnesium
- Up to 0.8% manganese
Properties of aluminium alloys
Adapted properties of pure aluminium
- May decrease density
- May increase strength
- Good fluidity when molten
- Ductile and malleable
Uses of aluminium alloys
- Electrical power lines
- Aircraft parts
- Motor vehicle components
- Light sand and die casting (fluidity)
Source of titanium and its alloys
Titanium ore
-> titanium tetrachloride
Uses the Kroll process
Properties of titanium and its alloys
- Strong
- Low density
- Corrosion resistant and good biocompatibility (not toxic nor rejected by the body)
- Resistance to rapid pressure changes
- Very elastic
Common applications of titanium and its alloys
- Aircraft parts
- Medical hardware and implants, specifically hip joint replacements
- Protection of hulls of ships and things exposed to seawater
- Pigment in house paint
Source of zinc metal
Sulfide ores
Properties of zinc
- Good fluidity when molten (flows better than aluminium, with less pressure needed for a die cast)
- More reactive than iron/steel. Tarnishes in air
- Hard and brittle but malleable/ductile when heated
- Moderate conductivity
- Weak (<0.5 tensile str of mild steel)
Zinc alloys generally have higher impact strength
Appearance of zinc
Silvery-blue with a matt finish
Common applications of zinc
- Protective coating (eg sacrificial metal of iron and for galvanising steel)
- Alloy to make brasses
Source of tin
River deposits, smelted and refined
Properties of tin
- Very soft, malleable and ductile; easy to form
- Highly resistant to corrosion
- Good conductivity
Appearance of tin
- Shine and silver colour
Common applications of tin
- Alloying to make solder
- Protective coating
- Some food cans
Source of tungsten
Wolframite (mineral)
Properties of tungsten
- Resistant to acids
- Brittle but ductile at high temperatures
- Highest melting point of all elements
- Very high tensile strength
- Lowest coefficient of thermal expansion
- Tungsten carbide is veyr hard and tough
Applications of tungsten
- Old incandescent bulb filaments
- Drill bits and tools
- Used in rocket engines and reentry surfaces
Composition of brasses
- Up to 70% copper
- Up to 40% zinc
- Up to 1% tin
Properties of brasses
With high zinc contant: - Very strong and tough - Fluid when molten With high copper content: - Very ductile and malleable
Generally:
- Low friction
- Can be corrosion resistant
- Able to be cast and machined
Appearance of brasses
Gold coloured and darkens when oxidised with age
Applications of brasses
- Musical instruments (friction) and ornamental hardware
- Forgings and casting for a wide range of engineering and marine components
- -> retain strength
- -> low melting point
- Plumbing applications eg water taps
- Bullet cartridges (friction)
