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What is the use of alloys in the production of electric light sources?
In the manufacturing process of electric light sources, alloys play a crucial role. For example, the performance of metal components like filaments, leads, and electrodes often directly determines the lifespan and stability of the light source.
How do these alloys come about?
Simply put, an alloy is formed by two or more metal elements interpenetrating through diffusion, ultimately forming a new, homogeneous substance. This process, known in materials science as "metal diffusion," is fundamental to the preparation of high-performance materials.
Although there are methods for creating alloys in the solid state (such as sintering and solid-state diffusion), in most cases, industrial alloys are melted in the liquid state. Liquid metals diffuse more rapidly, allowing for more thorough mixing and ultimately producing a more uniform microstructure.
Based on the interactions between the metals, liquid alloys can be divided into three main types after solidification:
1. Mechanically mixed alloys
The metal components in this alloy retain their original properties; they are simply "physically mixed." They are commonly used in some low-melting-point solders.
2. Compound alloys
Chemical reactions between different elements form new compounds with fixed proportions. These often exhibit unique electrical, optical, or mechanical properties.
3. Solid Solution Alloys
Atoms of one metal enter the crystal lattice of another metal, forming a uniform "single-phase solid." For example, adding a small amount of potassium or rhenium to a tungsten filament can significantly improve the filament's strength and high-temperature resistance.
In general, alloy preparation involves more than a simple mixing of "metals"; it involves a reorganization at the atomic level. It's these seemingly microscopic changes that significantly improve the performance and lifespan of electric light sources.