Nonferrous Metals and Alloys

Nonferrous metals and nonferrous alloys are not based on iron and include alloys of aluminum, copper, titanium, zinc, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, precious metals, and refractory metals. They are used in a variety of applications from construction to medical devices. A nonferrous alloy consists of two or more materials, one of which must be a nonferrous metal. Many nonferrous metals can be used in alloys and are chosen for specific characteristics such as strength, magnetic and electrical properties, and corrosion resistance. Some of these are transition metals, meaning they belong to the d-block in the periodic table and are elements which form an ion with a partially filled d-shell of electrons. Transition metals include zirconium, a silvery white metal; hafnium, a greyish metal; osmium, a blue-black metal; and tantalum, a rare, blue-gray metal. These nonferrous metals are used to create compounds such as aluminum zirconium, a common ingredient in antiperspirants, and osmium tetroxide, a volatile catalyst used to hasten chemical reactions. Other nonferrous metals and nonferrous alloys include copper beryllium, which is used for electronic components, and beryllium oxide, which is used for its electrical insulating properties.

Nonferrous metals and nonferrous alloys are useful in many applications because of their versatility, high density, and tensile strength. For example, tantalum sheet metal is used frequently to create surgical instruments because it does not react with bodily fluids and is corrosion resistant. Some nonferrous metals and nonferrous alloys are highly combustible and volatile, including powder zirconium, which may be stored under water for safety, and beryllium oxide, which is highly toxic if inhaled. Welding zirconium is also available. Nonferrous metals and nonferrous alloys are useful for applications requiring nonmagnetic, lightweight, high strength compounds. Since nonferrous metals and nonferrous alloys have high melting points, they are also often used in electrical and electronic applications.

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