An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a metalloid, that are combined to create a new material with different properties than the individual components.

Alloying can be used to improve the strength, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and other properties of a metal.

Steel is the most common alloy, accounting for over 90% of all metal production.

Carbon is the main alloying element in steel, and its content determines the type of steel.

The main difference between ferrous and non-ferrous alloys is that ferrous alloys contain iron, while non-ferrous alloys do not.

Aluminum alloy is the most common non-ferrous alloy, accounting for over 50% of all non-ferrous metal production.

Copper is the main alloying element in aluminum alloy, and its content determines the type of aluminum alloy.

The main difference between a solid solution alloy and an intermetallic compound is that in a solid solution alloy, the alloying elements are dissolved in the base metal, while in an intermetallic compound, they form a new compound.

Steel is the most common type of solid solution alloy, and it is made up of iron and carbon.

Brass is the most common type of intermetallic compound, and it is made up of copper and zinc.

The main difference between a homogeneous alloy and a heterogeneous alloy is that homogeneous alloys have a uniform composition, while heterogeneous alloys have a non-uniform composition.

Steel is the most common type of homogeneous alloy, and it is made up of iron and carbon.

Cast iron is the most common type of heterogeneous alloy, and it is made up of iron, carbon, and silicon.

The main difference between a substitutional alloy and an interstitial alloy is that in a substitutional alloy, the alloying element replaces an atom of the base metal, while in an interstitial alloy, it fits into the spaces between the atoms of the base metal.

Steel is the most common type of substitutional alloy, and it is made up of iron and carbon.

Steel is the most common type of interstitial alloy, and it is made up of iron and carbon.