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Introduction to Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals, those which do not contain iron, play a crucial role in modern industries due to their unique properties such as resistance to corrosion, low weight, high conductivity, and non-magnetic characteristics. 

Unlike ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, lead, tin, titanium, gold, silver, brass, and bronze have specialized applications due to their specific chemical, physical, and mechanical properties.

Each non-ferrous metal offers distinct advantages that make it ideal for various industries. For instance, aluminum’s lightweight nature and excellent strength-to-weight ratio make it a staple in the automotive and aerospace industries, while gold and silver are valued for their high conductivity and are heavily used in electronics and jewelry. 

Similarly, alloys like brass and bronze, derived from copper, possess unique properties that make them suitable for decorative, mechanical, and marine applications.

This overview will explore the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of these non-ferrous metals, highlighting their practical applications and the essential roles they play in technology, construction, energy, transportation, and other sectors.

Aluminum

Chemical Properties: 

• Symbol: Al
• Atomic No.: 13
• Appearance: Silvery white
• Atomic Weight: 26.981539  

Physical Properties: 

• Melting Point: 660^o C
• Boiling Point: 2519^o C
• Density: 2710 Kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 2.7

Mechanical Properties

• Thermal Conductivity: 237 W/(m⋅K)
• Youngs Modulus: 70 GPa
• Shear Modulus: 26 GPa
• Poisson ratio: 0.35

Other properties

1. Aluminium’s strength-to-weight ratio is superior to other engineering metals like steel
2. Aluminum reacts with oxygen to create a protective layer of aluminum oxide, making it resistant to corrosion. 
3. Aluminium has a high thermal conductivity
4. Aluminium is a good conductor of electricity
5. It is lightweight
6. It is Malleable, Ductile, Non-Magnetic and Non-Toxic

Applications

1. Automobile: To reduce the weight of the vehicle automobile parts are made from Aluminum
2. Packaging: Aluminum foil is used in food packaging and food machinery due to its non-toxic property
3. Construction: It’s used in roofing, windows, cladding, doors, and gutters.
4. Energy Generation & Transmission: Aluminium is used in energy generation, transmission, and storage technologies. It’s used in high-voltage power lines and domestic wiring.
5. Consumer Goods: Copper Aluminium is used in household appliances, pots and pans, utensils, TV aerials, and furniture.
6. Fashion: Aluminium powder has been used to design purses, heels, necklaces, clips, and bracelets. 
7. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Aluminium is used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) because of its high NMR sensitivity. 

Copper 

Chemical Properties: 

• Symbol: Cu  
• Atomic No.: 29  
• Appearance: Reddish-brown  
• Atomic Weight: 63.546  

Physical Properties: 

• Melting Point: 1084.62 °C  
• Boiling Point: 2562 °C  
• Density: 8960 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 8.96  

Mechanical Properties:  

• Thermal Conductivity: 401 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus: 110 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 48 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.34  

Other Properties:

1. Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.  
2. It is highly ductile and malleable, making it easy to shape.  
3. Copper is resistant to corrosion, especially in dry environments.  
4. It develops a green patina (copper oxide) when exposed to the elements, which protects the underlying metal.  

Applications:  

1. Electrical Wiring: Widely used in electrical wiring due to its excellent conductivity.  
2. Plumbing: Copper pipes are used in plumbing systems for water supply and heating.  
3. Alloys: Forms alloys such as bronze (copper-tin) and brass (copper-zinc) for various applications.  
4. Roofing: Used in roofing materials due to its durability and resistance to corrosion.  
5. Industrial Machinery: Components and machinery often use copper for its thermal and electrical conductivity.  
6. Antimicrobial Properties: Copper is used in touch surfaces and medical applications due to its natural antimicrobial properties.  

Nickel  

Chemical Properties:

• Symbol: Ni  
• Atomic No.:28  
• Appearance: Silvery-white, lustrous  
• Atomic Weight:58.6934  

Physical Properties:  

• Melting Point: 1455 °C  
• Boiling Point: 2730 °C  
• Density: 8908 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 8.9  

Mechanical Properties: 

• Thermal Conductivity: 90.9 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus: 200 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 76 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.31  

Other Properties:

1. Nickel is highly corrosion-resistant, especially in acidic environments.  
2. It’s magnetic at room temperature.  
3. Nickel is ductile and malleable.  
4. It forms a protective oxide layer on its surface, enhancing corrosion resistance.  

Applications:

1. Alloys: Used in stainless steel, superalloys, and special steels for strength and corrosion resistance.  
2. Plating: Nickel coatings protect other metals from corrosion and wear.  
3. Batteries: Used in rechargeable batteries, including nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).  
4. Coins: Nickel is used in coinage.  
5. Catalysts: Used in various chemical reactions as a catalyst.

Zinc  

Chemical Properties:

• Symbol: Zn  
• Atomic No.: 30  
• Appearance: Bluish-silver  
• Atomic Weight: 65.38  

Physical Properties:

• Melting Point: 419.5 °C  
• Boiling Point: 907 °C  
• Density: 7140 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 7.14  

Mechanical Properties: 

• Thermal Conductivity: 116 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus: 108 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 43 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.25  

Other Properties:

1. Zinc is moderately reactive and forms a protective layer of zinc oxide, preventing further corrosion.  
2. It is brittle at room temperature but malleable when heated.  
3. Zinc is a good conductor of electricity.  

Applications:

1. Galvanization: Used to coat steel to prevent rusting.  
2. Alloys: Brass (copper-zinc alloy) is a common use of zinc.  
3. Batteries: Zinc-carbon and alkaline batteries use zinc as the anode.  
4. Die Casting: Zinc alloys are used in the automotive and electronics industries.  
5. Healthcare: Zinc is used in medicines and ointments due to its healing properties.

Lead  

Chemical Properties: 

• Symbol: Pb  
• Atomic No.: 82  
• Appearance: Bluish-white when freshly cut, but tarnishes to a dull gray  
• Atomic Weight: 207.2  

Physical Properties:

• Melting Point: 327.5 °C  
• Boiling Point: 1749 °C  
• Density: 11340 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 11.34  

Mechanical Properties:  

• Thermal Conductivity: 35.3 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus:16 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 5.6 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.44  

Other Properties:

1. Lead is highly corrosion-resistant and forms a passivating oxide layer.  
2. It is very dense and soft.  
3. Lead is toxic and poses significant health risks.  

Applications:  

1. Batteries: Most commonly used in lead-acid batteries.  
2. Radiation Shielding: Lead’s high density makes it useful in X-ray and radiation shielding.  
3. Piping: Used in older plumbing systems and lead pipes.  
4. Ammunition: Lead is used in bullets and other forms of ammunition.  
5. Cable Sheathing: Lead sheaths protect electrical cables.

Tin  

Chemical Properties:

• Symbol: Sn  
• Atomic No.: 50  
• Appearance: Silvery-white  
• Atomic Weight: 118.71  

Physical Properties: 

• Melting Point: 231.9 °C  
• Boiling Point: 2602 °C  
• Density: 7280 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 7.28  

Mechanical Properties:

• Thermal Conductivity: 66.6 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus: 50 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 18 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.36  

Other Properties: 

1. Tin is highly resistant to corrosion.  
2. It is malleable and ductile.  
3. Tin forms a protective oxide layer in the air.  

Applications: 

1. Soldering: Tin is widely used in solders for joining electrical components.  
2. Tin Plating: Used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion.  
3. Packaging: Tin cans are used for food storage.  
4. Alloys: Tin creates bronze (tin-copper alloy) and pewter.  
5. Glass Manufacturing: Tin is used in float glass production.

Titanium  

Chemical Properties:  

• Symbol: Ti  
• Atomic No.: 22  
• Appearance: Silvery-gray  
• Atomic Weight: 47.867  

Physical Properties: 

• Melting Point: 1668 °C  
• Boiling Point: 3287 °C  
• Density: 4507 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 4.51  

Mechanical Properties:

• Thermal Conductivity: 21.9 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus: 116 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 44 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.34  

Other Properties:

1. Titanium is lightweight but has high strength and toughness.  
2. It has excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in seawater.  
3. Non-magnetic and biocompatible.  

Applications:

1. Aerospace: Used in aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles for its high strength-to-weight ratio.  
2. Medical Devices: Used in implants and prosthetics due to its biocompatibility.  
3. Marine Equipment: Used in submarines and naval ships due to corrosion resistance.  
4. Automotive: Used in high-performance and luxury vehicles.  
5. Jewelry: Titanium is popular in jewelry due to its durability and resistance to scratching.

Gold  

Chemical Properties:

• Symbol: Au  
• Atomic No.: 79  
• Appearance: Yellow, shiny  
• Atomic Weight: 196.96657  

Physical Properties:

• Melting Point: 1064 °C  
• Boiling Point: 2970 °C  
• Density: 19320 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 19.32  

Mechanical Properties 

• Thermal Conductivity: 318 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus: 79 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 27 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.44  

Other Properties:

1. Gold is the most malleable and ductile of all metals.  
2. It is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.  
3. An excellent conductor of electricity.  

Applications:

• Jewelry: Primary use due to its luster and resistance to tarnishing.  
• Electronics: Used in connectors, switches, and circuit boards due to high conductivity.  
• Coins and Bullion: Gold is used in currency and as a store of value.  
• Dentistry: Gold alloys are used in dental restorations.  
• Aerospace: Used in spacecraft components to reflect radiation.

Silver  

Chemical Properties: 

• Symbol: Ag  
• Atomic No.: 47  
• Appearance: White, shiny  
• Atomic Weight: 107.8682  

Physical Properties: 

• Melting Point: 961.8 °C  
• Boiling Point: 2162 °C  
• Density: 10490 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 10.49  

Mechanical Properties:  

• Thermal Conductivity: 429 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus: 83 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 30 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.37  

Other Properties:  

1. Silver is the best conductor of electricity and heat.  
2. It is ductile and malleable.  
3. Silver tarnishes when exposed to sulfur compounds.  

Applications:

1. Jewelry and Silverware: Silver is used in decorative items due to its luster.  
2. Electronics: Used in electrical contacts and conductors.  
3. Batteries: Used in silver-zinc and silver-cadmium batteries.  
4. Photography: Historically used in photographic film.  

Brass  

Chemical Properties: 

• Composition: Alloy of Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) (Typically 60-70% Copper, 30-40% Zinc)  
• Appearance: Yellowish gold, bright and shiny  

Physical Properties:

• Melting Point: 900 – 940 °C (Varies based on composition)  
• Density: ~8500 kg/m³ (Varies based on composition)  
• Specific Gravity: 8.5 – 8.7  

Mechanical Properties:

1. Thermal Conductivity: 109 W/(m·K) (Depends on composition)  
2. Young’s Modulus: 100-125 GPa (Varies by specific type)  
3. Shear Modulus: 37 – 45 GPa  
4. Poisson’s Ratio: 0.34  

Other Properties:

1. Brass has excellent corrosion resistance, especially to water.  
2. It has good electrical conductivity, though less than copper.  
3. Brass is highly malleable and ductile.  
4. The alloy is non-magnetic and non-sparking.  

Applications:

1. Musical Instruments: Due to their acoustic properties, they are used in instruments like trumpets, trombones, and horns.  
2. Plumbing: Brass is commonly used in plumbing fittings and valves.  
3. Decorative Items: Due to its golden appearance, brass is used for decorative items, doorknobs, and furniture fittings.  
4. Electrical Components: Brass is used in connectors, terminals, and battery clamps.  
5. Marine Applications: Used in boat fittings, as brass resists saltwater corrosion.

Bronze  

Chemical Properties:  

• Composition: Alloy of Copper (Cu) and Tin (Sn) (Typically 88-95% Copper, 5-12% Tin)  
• Appearance: Reddish-brown, dull luster  

Physical Properties:

• Melting Point: 950 – 1050 °C (Varies based on composition)  
• Density: ~8700 – 8900 kg/m³ (Varies based on composition)  
• Specific Gravity: 8.7 – 8.9  

Mechanical Properties: 

• Thermal Conductivity: 51 W/(m·K) (Varies by type)  
• Young’s Modulus: 100 – 120 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 45 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.34  

Other Properties: 

1. Bronze has excellent corrosion resistance, especially to seawater and atmospheric conditions.  
2. It has good wear resistance, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.  
3. Bronze is harder than pure copper but less brittle than brass.  
4. It forms a protective patina layer, preventing further corrosion.  
5. Non-magnetic and non-sparking.  

Applications:  

1. Sculptures and Artworks: Commonly used in statues, monuments, and sculptures due to its durability and patina.  
2. Marine Hardware: Used in propellers, bearings, and fittings in marine environments.  
3. Bearings and Bushings: Due to its wear resistance, bronze is used in machinery components such as bushings and bearings.  
4. Coins and Medals: Historically used in coinage and medals.  
5. Musical Instruments: Used in bells and cymbals for its unique acoustic properties.

Platinum  

Chemical Properties:

• Symbol: Pt  
• Atomic No.: 78  
• Appearance: Silvery-white, shiny  
• Atomic Weight: 195.084  

Physical Properties:

• Melting Point: 1768 °C  
• Boiling Point: 3825 °C  
• Density: 21450 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 21.45  

Mechanical Properties: 

• Thermal Conductivity: 72 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus:168 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 61 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.38  

Other Properties: 

1. Platinum is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, even at high temperatures.  
2. It is malleable, ductile, and dense.  
3. It has excellent catalytic properties.  
4. Platinum is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for medical uses.  

Applications:

1. Jewelry: Widely used in high-end jewelry due to its durability and resistance to tarnishing.  
2. Catalysts: Platinum is used in catalytic converters in automobiles to reduce harmful emissions.  
3. Electronics: Used in hard disk drives and thermocouples.  
4. Medicine: Platinum compounds are used in cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs (e.g., cisplatin).  
5. Laboratory Equipment: Platinum is used in crucibles, electrodes, and other scientific apparatus due to its high melting point and chemical stability.

Magnesium  

Chemical Properties:  

• Symbol: Mg  
• Atomic No.: 12  
• Appearance: Silvery-white  
• Atomic Weight: 24.305  

Physical Properties:  

• Melting Point: 650 °C  
• Boiling Point: 1090 °C  
• Density: 1738 kg/m³  
• Specific Gravity: 1.74  

Mechanical Properties:  

• Thermal Conductivity: 156 W/(m·K)  
• Young’s Modulus: 45 GPa  
• Shear Modulus: 17 GPa  
• Poisson’s Ratio: 0.29  

Other Properties:  

1. Magnesium is the lightest structural metal, with a high strength-to-weight ratio.  
2. It is highly reactive and tarnishes quickly when exposed to air, forming a thin oxide layer.  
3. Magnesium burns with a bright white flame, making it useful in flares and fireworks.  
4. It has good corrosion resistance when alloyed with other metals like aluminum or zinc.  

Applications:

1. Aerospace and Automotive: Used in lightweight alloys for aircraft, cars, and spacecraft to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.  
2. Electronics: Magnesium alloys are used in laptops, cameras, and mobile phones due to their light weight and durability.  
3. Medical Uses: Magnesium is used in implants and medical devices due to its biocompatibility.  
4. Pyrotechnics: Used in fireworks, flares, and incendiary devices due to its bright, intense flame.  
5. Construction Materials: Magnesium oxide is used in fireproofing materials and cement.

Conclusion:

Non-ferrous metals are vital to the advancement of modern technology and industry, offering unique properties that ferrous metals cannot provide. 

From the lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum used in transportation and packaging to the high-conductivity and aesthetic appeal of gold and silver in electronics and jewelry, each non-ferrous metal serves a specialized function across diverse sectors. 

Alloys like brass and bronze further extend the range of applications, particularly in musical instruments, marine hardware, and decorative items, due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.

The combination of properties such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, strength, low density, and corrosion resistance makes non-ferrous metals indispensable in industries like aerospace, construction, energy, consumer goods, and healthcare. 

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for these metals will only grow, driving innovation and sustaining their importance in the global economy.

In conclusion, the versatility and specialized applications of non-ferrous metals underscore their significance in shaping modern life and enabling technological progress across industries.

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