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Chemistry · L3 · Why Alloying Hardens a Metal

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From atom-size mismatch to blocked layer-sliding to a harder alloy — the causal chain behind why steel is harder than pure iron.

by @openstemUpdated Chemistry
Pure metal: uniform atom sizeRegular, repeating layersLayers slide past each other easily under stressElectron sea re-bonds the new arrangementMetal is soft and malleableAdd atoms of a different size, e.g. carbon in ironRegular layer pattern is disruptedOdd-sized atoms obstruct the sliding pathLayers can no longer glide past each other freelyAlloy is harder and stronger than the pure metal

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