Structural Background of Metals

In a given metal sample, grains with different chemical compositions may be found, as well as impurities in solid solution. Additional material, crystalline or amorphous, may also be found at the grain boundaries. Grain size and structure can be much influenced by thermal and mechanical treatments carried out during processing, as well as by the impurities , which are frequently present, either by accident or by design. 

Typical Metals with Melting Points 1100 C Which Are Utilised in Alloy Steels 

FIGURE 12.33 Types of cubic lattice (a) body centred and (b) face centred. 

Technically Important Metals with Melting Points 1100°C 

Crystal lattice defects and distortions, such as vacancies, dislocations, substitutions, and so on, can play a fundamental part in determining the achievable properties of any fabricated metal product. These defects may be present, to some degree, before any final thermal, mechanical or other processing treatments are undertaken. 

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