Alloys

Alloys, solid solutions of metals dissolved in each other. Due to the appearance in alloys of a number of new properties not present in the pure metals that make up their composition, alloys have become widespread and applied in technology. When metals are melted, along with dissolution, the formation of certain compounds of metals with each other occurs, similar to what we have in ordinary solutions (formation of hydrates, solvates). The melting point of alloys is significantly lower than the melting point of the components that make up the alloy. Among low-melting alloys, one can mention Rose's alloy, Bi₂PbSn, which melts at 93°, Wood's alloy, Bi₁₀Cd₄Pb₅S₅, which melts at 65.5°. Often alloys have greater resistance to the oxidizing and dissolving action of various chemical reagents and find application in chemical apparatus and vessels. In terms of electrode potential, alloys behave like the less noble metal that makes up their composition, which is used to determine the concentration of hydrogen and other ions (see Tazov chain).