Making model alloys
In this activity, students use plasticine and sand to explore how adding other elements can alter the ductility of a metal.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
define what an alloy is
relate the physical properties of a metal to its internal structure
appreciate the use of models in helping to explain scientific phenomena
describe some of the physical properties that are characteristic of metals.
Microstructure and mechanical properties
Dr Brian Gabbitas explains how the microstructure of a metal can affect its mechanical properties. Alloying titanium with aluminium and vanadium alters the crystalline microstructure, which results in a change in mechanical properties.
Point of interest
What types of crystal structure do metals show?
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
extension ideas
student instructions.
