What is the purpose of alloying?

Alloying serves the essential purpose of combining a metal with one or more other elements to enhance its properties. When materials are alloyed, the resulting mixture often possesses improved characteristics compared to the individual components. For instance, the addition of elements such as carbon to iron creates steel, which is significantly stronger and more versatile than pure iron. This enhancement can include increased strength, corrosion resistance, improved machinability, or altered thermal and electrical conductivity, making alloys suitable for a wide range of applications in the aerospace sector and beyond.

The other choices do not accurately represent the primary purpose of alloying. Creating pure metals without impurities is not the aim of alloying, as alloys incorporate other elements. Separating metals from non-metals is a different manufacturing process that involves extraction and purification rather than alloy development. Additionally, while some alloying can influence ductility, the primary goal is typically to enhance a range of properties, rather than simply minimizing ductility.