What is the reason behind the limited miscibility of metals in alloys?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the limited miscibility of metals in alloys, exploring the reasons behind why certain metals cannot form stable alloys together. Participants examine the implications of electronic structure, physical properties, and conditions required for alloy formation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that not all metals are miscible, leading to limitations in alloy composition.
  • It is suggested that while it may be theoretically possible to create an alloy with all stable metals, practical challenges arise due to differing physical properties such as density, melting points, and strength.
  • Questions are raised about the reasons for limited miscibility, with some participants noting that metals may mix in the liquid state but separate upon cooling, potentially due to differences in electron configuration.
  • It is mentioned that certain metals can be mixed under special conditions followed by rapid solidification, although such processes may be proprietary.
  • Participants reference the use of sophisticated software tools like CALPHAD for understanding alloy development.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that not all metals are miscible and that practical limitations exist, but multiple competing views remain regarding the specific reasons and conditions affecting miscibility.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on electronic structure and physical properties, as well as the unresolved nature of how density and atomic characteristics influence miscibility.

Squall94
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Is it possible to make an alloy with all possible stable (non-radioactive) metals? I've googled around, and I couldn't find one, and also couldn't find a reason why it hasn't been made. If its not possible, what is the reason behind it?
 
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Not all metals are miscible, so there are serious limitations to the alloy composition.

Besides, just because something is possible, doesn't mean there is much sense in doing it.
 
Squall94 said:
Is it possible to make an alloy with all possible stable (non-radioactive) metals? I've googled around, and I couldn't find one, and also couldn't find a reason why it hasn't been made. If its not possible, what is the reason behind it?
It would be possible, but impractical.

In most (if not all) alloy systems, some metals are considered impurities to be limited to ppm or less.

It is impractical because metals have widely different properties related to their electronic structure. Metals have widely varying physical properties, e.g., density, melting/boiling points, strength, etc. Liquid metals would be of little use in high strength alloys.
 
It was mentioned that not all metals are miscible. What is the reason behind this? I read somewhere that in the liquid state they mix, but separate upon being cooled. What causes this? Is it from the density of the metals?
 
Squall94 said:
It was mentioned that not all metals are miscible. What is the reason behind this? I read somewhere that in the liquid state they mix, but separate upon being cooled. What causes this? Is it from the density of the metals?
It is dependent on the electron configuration. The density depends on atomic radius and atomic mass.

http://www.webelements.com/periodicity/atomic_radius/

Elements that do not readily mix can be mixed under special conditions followed by rapid solidification. In general, such processes are proprietary or trade secret.

There are now sophisticated software tools, e.g., CALPHAD, that allow the development and understanding of various compounds and alloys.
 

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