Non-Ferrous Metals: Composition, Properties, and Uses

Copper Production: Minerals and Processes

The minerals used in copper fabrication are primarily contained in the form of copper sulfides. Extraction is achieved via two main procedures: dry (pyrometallurgy) and wet (hydrometallurgy).

Phases of Copper Extraction

The text cites several phases involved in obtaining copper: Grinding, precipitation, dissolution, and refinement.

The choice between the wet or dry method is determined by the mineral wealth (ore grade). The dry route is used for minerals rich in copper, while the wet route is used for minerals poor in copper.

10 Key Applications of Copper

Copper is utilized in numerous industrial and mechanical applications, including:

1. Water meters
2. Turbines
3. Propellers
4. Gas meters
5. Shafts for pumps
6. Contactors
7. Relays
8. Springs
9. Gears
10. Bearings

Understanding Brass Alloys

Brass alloys are primarily composed of copper and zinc.

Ordinary vs. Special Brass

The fundamental difference lies in composition:

• Ordinary Brass: Contains only copper and zinc compounds.
• Special Brass: Contains other alloying elements in proportions sufficient to significantly modify their properties (e.g., manganese, aluminum, silicon).

What Are Bronzes?

Bronze alloys are composed of copper combined with any element other than zinc (Zn). Historically, the traditional bronze alloy has been copper and tin.

6 Applications of Ordinary Bronze

Examples of ordinary bronze applications include:

• Bearings/bushings
• Taps (faucets)
• Valves
• Machinery parts
• Bells
• Decorative items

Aluminum and Alumina Applications

Applications of Aluminum Metal

Aluminum metal is used for the fabrication of heat exchangers and cooking utensils in the food industry.

Applications of Aluminum Alloys

Light alloys formed using aluminum as the main component are crucial in sectors such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing for structural components and vehicle bodies.

Magnesium: Properties and Uses

Key Properties of Magnesium

Magnesium is very light and exhibits low plasticity at ambient temperature. However, it is not resistant to humidity in the air.

Magnesium Applications

Magnesium is used in the chemical and pyrotechnic industries, and for the formation of ultralight alloys.

Applications of Pure Lead and Lead Alloys

Pure Lead Applications

Pure lead is used for:

• Interior coating of tanks in the chemical industry.
• Protective barriers against noise, vibration, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Lead Alloy Applications

Lead alloyed with antimony, tin, and copper is used to manufacture:

• Electric batteries.
• Soldering materials.
• Anti-friction coatings on bearings.