Indium has been used in several applications since the 1930s, many of which capitalize on either its malleability or low melting point. Primarily found as a byproduct of zinc, copper, and iron ore processing, indium is rarely found on its own due to it being the softest non-alkali metal and easily combining with others around…
The use of metal alloys for their predictable melting points has been a trend in industrial manufacturing and equipment safety for centuries, with low melting alloys specifically being used to prevent boiler disasters as far back as 1803. These alloys, also known as fusible alloys, melt at a low temperature relative to the environment they…
Even in its simplest form, aluminum can be found in the objects we use in everyday life. From consumer goods such as kitchen foil to integral parts of modern architecture and transportation, this lightweight material is becoming increasingly crucial to many industries. However, by itself, aluminum has low strength, which can limit its application. To…
How Silicon Is Typically Used in Metals In the landscape of today’s high-tech world, you’ve likely heard about silicon and its use in microchips for everything from cars to personal computers. Silicon’s primary feature, the one that makes it popular for use in electronics, is its semi-conductivity. This trait makes it more or less conductive,…