metalliques

Metalliques is a term used in materials science to describe substances that exhibit metallic properties. It covers metals, their alloys, intermetallic compounds, and some metal-based composites. Metals are characterized by metallic bonding, good electrical and thermal conductivity, luster, and the ability to deform under stress without breaking.

Classification. The metalliques category includes pure metals (iron, copper, aluminum), alloys (steel, bronze, brass), and intermetallic compounds (such as nickel aluminide). Metallic glasses (amorphous metals) are sometimes included when referring to non-crystalline metallic materials. Metal-matrix composites, in which a metal matrix is reinforced with other phases, are also considered metalliques.

Production and processing. Metals are obtained from ores, refined, melted, and alloyed. Forming methods include casting, rolling, extrusion, and drawing. Heat treatment and surface finishing modify hardness, strength, and wear resistance.

Properties and applications. Typical properties include high electrical and thermal conductivity, reflectivity, and ductility. Applications span electronics, infrastructure, transportation, energy, and consumer products. Specific alloys are selected for strength, lightness, corrosion resistance, or catalytic activity (platinum-group metals).

Environmental and safety aspects. Metals are generally highly recyclable, supporting circular economy approaches. Mining and refining can have environmental impacts, and some elements pose health risks in certain forms or exposures.

In French and some technical literatures, metalliques denotes metallic materials as a broad category distinct from polymers or ceramics.