nonalloy

Nonalloy refers to a metal that has not been intentionally alloyed with other elements. An unalloyed metal is typically produced to reach a high level of purity, and its composition is often stated in purity terms (for example, 99.9% or higher), though trace impurities are common in practice.

In common usage, nonalloyed metals include elements such as copper, aluminum, and iron in their refined, nearly pure forms. It is important to note that even materials marketed as nonalloyed may contain small amounts of unavoidable impurities introduced during mining, refining, or processing. The designation focuses on the absence of deliberate alloying additions rather than absolute chemical purity.

Production and quality control that aim for nonalloyed metals involve refining methods such as electrorefining, smelting, or electrolytic purification to remove unwanted elements. The chosen purification steps depend on the metal and the required purity specification for its intended use.

Properties of nonalloyed metals are characteristic of the base element and can differ significantly from their alloyed counterparts. They may offer advantages in electrical conductivity, ductility, or corrosion behavior that are preferred in certain applications, but they may lack the enhanced strength, hardness, or specific corrosion resistance engineered into alloys.

Common uses for nonalloyed metals include electrical wiring (copper), packaging and lightweight components (aluminum), and certain structural or industrial applications where purity or simplicity of composition is advantageous. The term is often contrasted with alloyed materials, where intentional additions are used to tailor properties for particular applications.