Alloy

Alloy, combination of metals with each other or with nonmetals, such as carbon or phosphorus, and formed by mixing the molten components. An alloy's properties can be adjusted by varying the proportions of the constituents. Very few metals are used today in a pure state. The most common alloys are the different forms of steel, all of which contain a large proportion of iron and small amounts of carbon and other elements. Brass and bronze, 2 well-known alloys of copper, are still used in industry.

See also: Metallurgy; Permalloy.