why and how are alloys made

Alloys are made by combining two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal to create a new material with desirable properties that are not found in any of the constituent elements alone. Alloys are usually made by melting the components together and then cooling the mixture to form a solid material.

There are several reasons why alloys are made:

To improve the strength and hardness of a metal: Adding a harder metal to a softer metal can improve its strength and hardness.

To improve corrosion resistance: Some metals, such as iron, are prone to corrosion when exposed to air or water. By adding another metal, such as chromium or nickel, the resulting alloy can be more resistant to corrosion.

To alter the melting point: By adding a metal with a lower melting point to a metal with a higher melting point, the resulting alloy can have a lower melting point than the original metal.

To improve other properties: Alloys can also be made to improve other properties, such as electrical conductivity or ductility.