Category: Metals

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 »

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 »

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 »

How Vanadium Could Help Solve Our Energy Problems

Have you heard of vanadium? It’s a metal most people haven’t heard of– yet. Vanadium could play a key role in delivering energy to our world in the years to come. First, though, consider Hawaii, which gets more sunshine than most states. Because of its remote location, Hawaii’s electricity costs more than three times the… Read more »

Interesting Facts About Metal

Metals are typically solid materials known to be hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile. With good electrical and thermal conductivity, metals are useful in so many applications and without them our world just wouldn’t be the same. If you want to impress your friends at a party, and they’re into“metals,” here are some interesting facts… Read more »

What Are Alloys? How Are They Made?

Alloys are found in all sorts of things, including dental fillings, jewelry, door locks, musical instruments, coins, guns, and nuclear reactors. So what are alloys and what are they made of? Alloys are metals combined with other substances in order to make them better in some way. While some people assume the term ‘alloys’ means… Read more »

How are Metals Found in Nature?

Metals exist in the Earth’s crust. Depending on where you are on the planet, if you were to dig looking for aluminum, silver or copper, you’d probably find them. Typically, these pure metals are found in minerals occurring in rocks. Simply put, if you dig into the soil and/or collect rocks, you’re likely to find… Read more »

The Importance of Metal in Our Society

Did you know metals are all around us, and vital to life as we know it? Not only does your body need metals such as zinc and copper to function properly, but without metals your computers wouldn’t exist. Can you imagine not being able to check email or watch YouTube videos? It would be a… Read more »