Maleabiliteit

Maleabiliteit is a physical property of metals that describes their ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without fracturing. This property is distinct from ductility, which refers to a material's ability to be drawn into wires. Metals that are highly malleable can be deformed plastically under compressive stress.

The malleability of a metal is a consequence of its atomic structure. In metallic bonding, atoms are arranged in a lattice structure where delocalized electrons hold the positively charged ions together. When a force is applied, these layers of ions can slide past each other without breaking the metallic bond because the mobile electrons can adjust to the new positions.

Common examples of highly malleable metals include gold, silver, copper, and aluminum. Gold is particularly renowned for its malleability, allowing it to be beaten into extremely thin gold leaf, which is used in decorative applications. Aluminum is also widely used in foil packaging due to its malleability.

The degree of malleability varies among different metals and can also be influenced by factors such as temperature and the presence of impurities. Alloying can also significantly alter a metal's malleability. For instance, while pure copper is quite malleable, some copper alloys may be less so. Understanding and controlling malleability is crucial in various manufacturing processes, including metal forming, sheet metal fabrication, and the production of coins and jewelry.