Materials: Non-Ferrous Metals
Titanium
There are three structural
types of titanium alloys:
- Alpha Alloys are non-heat
treatable and are generally very weld-
able. They have low to medium strength,
good notch toughness, reasonably good
ductility and possess excellent mechanical
properties at cryogenic temperatures.
The more highly alloyed alpha and near-alpha
alloys offer optimum high temperature
creep strength and oxidation resistance
as well.
- Alpha-Beta Alloys are
heat treatable and most are weldable.
Their strength levels are medium to high.
Their hot-forming qualities are good,
but the high temperature creep strength
is not as good as in most alpha alloys.
- Beta or near-beta alloys
are readily heat treatable, generally
weldable, capable of high strengths and
good creep resistance to intermediate
temperatures. Excellent formability can
be expected of the beta alloys in the
solution treated condition. Beta-type
alloys have good combinations of properties
in sheet, heavy sections, fasteners and
spring applications.
Zinc
Zinc, a crystalline metal
with moderate strength and ductility, is
seldom used alone except as a coating. In
addition to its metal and alloy forms, zinc
also extends the life of other materials
such as steel (by hot dipping or electrogalvanizing),
rubber and plastics (as an aging inhibitor),
and wood (in paints). Zinc is also used
to make brass, bronze, and die-casting alloys
in plate, strip, and coil; foundry alloys;
superplastic zinc; and activators and stabilizers
for plastics.
Zirconium
Relatively few metals besides
zirconium can be used in chemical processes
requiring alternate contact with strong
acids and alkalis. Major uses for zirconium
and its alloys are as a construction material
in the chemical-processing industry.
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