Ötvözetek

Ötvözetek are metallic materials composed of two or more elements, where at least one is a metal. These elements are typically mixed together in a molten state and then cooled, resulting in a new substance with properties that differ from those of the individual constituent elements. The primary goal in creating an alloy is to enhance or modify the characteristics of the base metal, such as increasing its strength, hardness, ductility, corrosion resistance, or altering its electrical or magnetic properties.

The properties of an alloy are dependent on the types of elements present, their proportions, and how they are arranged at an atomic level. Alloys can be broadly classified into two categories: substitutional alloys and interstitial alloys. In substitutional alloys, atoms of one element replace atoms of another element within the crystal lattice structure. This typically occurs when the atomic radii of the constituent elements are similar. In interstitial alloys, smaller atoms of one element fit into the spaces, or interstitial sites, between the larger atoms of the host metal. Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, is a classic example of an interstitial alloy.

Common examples of alloys include brass (copper and zinc), bronze (copper and tin), stainless steel (iron, chromium, and nickel), and aluminum alloys used in aerospace and automotive industries. The development and understanding of alloys have been crucial throughout human history, from the Bronze Age to the modern era, enabling advancements in tools, infrastructure, and technology.