Industrial metals have just about always played an important role in the well-being of the global economy. Nevertheless, these days it appears as though industrial metals are going to play even more of a role than usual in spite of the global trade wars that are on the brink of breaking out. In the coming… Read more »
Interesting Facts About Tungsten
Tungsten, which was first discovered about 350 years ago, is known for being one of the toughest elements found in nature. It’s extremely dense and is just about impossible to melt. Its strength and durability has helped people find all kinds of uses for it. Here are some other interesting facts about tungsten that you… Read more »
The Differences Between Alloys and Composites
On the surface, alloys and composites have at least one big thing in common. Alloy and composite materials are both made up of a mixture of at least two components. Alloys and composites are also similar in that they exhibit different properties than the properties associated with the materials that are used to make them…. Read more »
Where Was Vanadium First Found?
Vanadium may not be a well-known metal, but its characteristics make it an ideal choice for some projects. While vanadium has never enjoyed the popularity of some other metals, it has been around for at least two centuries and has been used commercially for decades. This is an overview of vanadium and its discovery. Vanadium… Read more »
The Uses and Uniqueness of Kovar
Kovar has been in use for many decades. Despite its relatively long history, many people outside of engineering fields may never have heard of this valuable alloy. This is an overview of kovar. The name Kovar is actually trademarked by a Delaware corporation, CRS Holdings, Inc. Kovar was first patented in the U.S. in 1936…. Read more »
A Brief Overview Zirconium
Zirconium is an element that is commonly used as an opacifier and refractory, though it is used in other applications as well. It was first discovered in the late 18th century, but was not isolated until the 19th century or made available in a pure from until the early 20th century. Zirconium is not found… Read more »
What is Rhenium Used For?
Rhenium is an extremely rare metal that has a range of different characteristics that make it ideal for many purposes today. It has the highest boiling point of any of the elements on the periodic table, and it has one of the highest melting points. As a result of this, rhenium is often used for… Read more »
Interesting New Research on How to Create Lighter, but Stronger Alloys
For thousands of years now, people have been taking various metals, blending them together, and creating metal mixtures called alloys that have unique properties that make them valuable to human beings. Some example of alloys that have made a big impact on the world include bronze, which is a blend of tin and copper, and… Read more »
Here’s Why There is a Growing Demand for Lithium
Gold, silver, and copper have historically been considered some of the most precious metals on the planet. But the truth is that lithium is actually one of the most important metals to humans right now. You might not necessarily spend much time thinking about lithium—and you probably wouldn’t ask your significant other to buy you… Read more »
There Are Many Uses for Zirconium
Just reading the word zirconium probably brings to mind “cubic zirconia,” which is the world’s most popular diamond simulant. Zirconium and cubic zirconia are very different things, but the average person is likely to think they’re related because they sound similar, right? Cubic zirconia is a manmade thing, and you’re likely to find jewelry, such… Read more »