You may wonder: What can metal be used for? After all, it’s strong, malleable, and conducts electricity. But did you know that metals can also be biocompatible? Keep reading to learn more about the various uses of metal. We also provide information on how to make your metal products.
Metals are malleable
Despite their hardness, metals are highly malleable, meaning they can be shaped and deformed into various shapes. Aluminum is one example of a metal that is malleable; it can be rolled into wires and pressed into sheets without breaking. In addition, because metals are made of layers of atoms, they are conductive because electrons are delocalized between them.
They conduct electricity
The movement of electrically charged particles in metals is one of the critical reasons for their electrical conductivity. The presence of valence electrons, or free electrons in an atom’s outer shell, allows metals to conduct electrical currents. These electrons travel through the metal lattice-like billiard balls. They are an essential part of a metal’s conductivity, which is why they’re helpful in electricity and electronics.
They are strong
The properties of a metal determine its strength. Tensile strength, for example, measures how much a material can resist external pressure or tension. Compressive strength, on the other hand, measures how much a material can bend or deform. Yield strength, a measure of a material’s elasticity, is a measure of its ability to absorb energy. Tungsten is the most robust metal in the universe. It is abundant in countries like Portugal, China, and Russia.
They are biocompatible
Metals are biocompatible when they do not produce a toxic response in the human body. They are used in medical devices such as menstrual cups, stents, or ventilators. Biocompatibility is determined by a specific location in the body and application. While biocompatible materials are typically polymers, biocompatible devices may have more than one type of material. The key to finding biocompatible materials is to conduct a lab test to determine their compatibility.
They are light
Lightweight metals have low density and a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them a desirable choice in many applications. Unlike heavier metals, these are also less toxic, except beryllium. Aluminum is one of the most popular metals, and its alloys are resourceful for many uses. Magnesium and titanium are beneficial in water-corrosion applications, and beryllium is useful alloying material.
They are durable
The durability of metals depends on their properties. Most metals are prone to corrosion, but some naturally resist it. These metals, including tin and aluminum, are often used to make cans and protective coverings for metal objects. They are also attractive and long-lasting. For these reasons, they are often the material of choice for building facades, fences, and more.
They are recyclable
There are several reasons to recycle metals. For example, steel and iron are two of the most common materials on Earth. These materials can be easily reprocessed and are reusable, making them ideal for recycling. The most recycled item in the world is the aluminum can, made from iron. Metals are classified as either ferrous or non-ferrous. Ferrous metals, commonly recycled, include copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver. Non-ferrous metals are also considered precious, including gold, platinum, silver, and iridium.