Non-Ferrous Metals
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 4.1.3
Non-Ferrous Metals: Properties
Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron.
Aesthetic properties
- Non-ferrous metals are not usually magnetic.
- Non-ferrous metals have a wide range of aesthetic properties.
- Non-ferrous metals do not rust but they can still oxidise.
- This can create a protective layer known as patina.
Metallic lustre
- Non-ferrous metals are often associated with their characteristic metallic lustre.
- Metallic lustre is a result of the ability to reflect light.
- Non-ferrous metals can exhibit a wide range of colours under certain conditions.
Non-Ferrous Metals: Examples
There are a large number of non-ferrous metals, covering every metal that does not contain iron.
Copper
- Copper has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
- Copper is used in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and roofing materials.
- Copper alloys are popular in applications where increased strength is required.
- Copper alloys include brass and bronze.
Aluminium
- Aluminium has low density, high strength, and excellent corrosion resistance.
- Aluminium is used in the aerospace industry, construction, packaging, and electrical conductors.
Zinc
- Zinc is used as a protective coating for other metals.
- The protective coating is formed through galvanisation.
- Galvanisation provides corrosion resistance to steel.
- Zinc is used in the construction industry.
- For example, roofing, gutters, and downspouts.
- Zinc alloys are used in die casting as sacrificial anodes.
- Sacrificial anodes protect other metals from corrosion.
Lead
- Lead has high density and low melting point.
- Lead is used for batteries, ammunition, and radiation shielding.
- In recent years, lead use has become more restricted due to its toxicity.
Non-Ferrous Metals: Examples
There are a large number of non-ferrous materials, including metals and alloys that do not contain iron.
Tin
- Tin is used as a coating on other metals, preventing corrosion.
- Tin-plated steel is used in food packaging, cans, and containers.
- Tin-plated steel is known as tinplate.
- Tin is used in the production of solder for electronic circuits and alloys.
- For example, tin is used to produce bronze.
Nickel
- Nickel has high strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance.
- Nickel is used in stainless steel production.
- Stainless steel is used in a range of applications, including kitchen utensils and industrial equipment.
- Nickel is used in batteries, electrical wiring, and various alloys.
- Nickel is used in superalloys which are used in high-temperature applications.
Titanium
- Titanium is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
- Titanium has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
- Titanium is used in aerospace applications, medical implants, and sports equipment.
- Titanium is used in high-performance components in various industries.
Test yourself on Non-Ferrous Metals
What non-ferrous metal is used in the aerospace industry?
What non-ferrous metal is used for radiation shielding?
What non-ferrous metal is used in the production of stainless steel?
What non-ferrous metal is used in food packaging and cans?