Light metal


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A light metal is any metal of relatively low density.[1] More specific definitions and criterion have been proposed; none have obtained widespread acceptance yet. Magnesium, aluminium and titanium are light metals of significant commercial and industrial importance.[2] Their densities of 1.7, 2.7 and 4.5 g/cm3 range from 19 to 56% of the densities of the older structural metals,[3] iron (7.9) and copper (8.9), which are heavy metals.

See also

References

  1. ^ Jackson JA, Mehl JP, Neuendorf KKE (eds) 2005, Glossary of Geology, 5th ed., American Geological Institute, Alexandria, ISBN 0-922152-76-4, p. 371
  2. ^ Brandes EA & Brook GB (eds) 1998, Light Metals Handbook, Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, ISBN 0-7506-3625-4, p. viii
  3. ^ Polmear I 2006, Light Alloys: From Traditional Alloys to Nanocrystals, 4th ed., Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford, ISBN 0-7506-6371-5, p. 1