What is the strongest metal in the world? Top 10 contenders
There are a lot of interesting questions about how the universe functions. One of such questions is – what is the strongest metal in the world? This question is more complex than you may think, and we will be happy to provide an answer.
Source: UGC
There are a few different criteria when it comes to determining the strongest metal on Earth. While there is no universal scale which can be used to compare various types of it, there are a couple of ways through which they are usually juxtaposed.
What is the strongest metal in the world?
First of all, here is a definition of this term.
Metal is a solid material, which is hard and shiny, possesses a good thermal and electrical conductivity, and is able to be pressed into shape without cracking or breaking. There are a lot of different types of it, and every one of them possesses some individual features and properties, as well as uses.
What is the strongest metal on Earth? This is a question that can be considered from different angles.
There are some important factors that come into play here. For instance, there are a few types of strength that can measure various qualities of the material.
Strongest metals on Earth: what are the criteria of their strength?
- Tensile strength. It means the ability of a certain material to resist tension. Simply speaking, it determines the amount of power which has to be applied to pull it apart or stretch it.
- Compressive strength. This one alludes to the ability of the material to endure squeezing or compressing it together. Usually, it is tested by a force that puts pressure on it and tracks the degree to which it is able to resist size depletion.
- Yield strength. This factor refers to the capacity of the material to withstand bending or permanent deformation. Most of the time, it can be resolved through a bending test, if you grip two ends of a bar and apply stress on it.
- Impact strength. Finally, this criterion is a reference to the capacity of withstanding a blow without shattering or fracturing. Through this way, you can determine the amount of energy that can be absorbed by a material upon impact.
What is the hardest metal? Top 10
Due to the criteria listed above, it is hard to determine what exactly is the hardest metal on Earth. Therefore, this is not the rating of the hardest metal, but rather a list of contenders which possess their unique qualities.
Source: UGC
Another thing to remember is that most of these contenders are alloys - this means that they are combinations of a few metals. For instance, steel consists of carbon and iron, and a lot of experts create such types of alloys manually.
However, since they contain elemental metals, we will consider them as such.
1. Carbon steel
This one is considered probably the strongest steel alloy in the world. It has been around for many centuries and is widely used for multiple purposes.
- Yield - 260 Mpa
- Tensile - 580 Moa
- Approximately 6 on the Mohs scale
2. Iron-nickel steel
Usually, the yield and tensile power of this mix is way above carbon steel. The abundance of iron and nickel is one of the highest in the meteorites and planet cores, including the core of Earth.
- Yield - 1,420 Mpa
- Tensile - 1,460 Mpa
3. Stainless steel
This alloy consists of steel, manganese, and chromium. The mix produces a good contender for the hardest metal in the world, which has incredible resistance to corrosion and other properties.
- Yield - 1,560 Mpa
- Tensile - 1,600 Mpa
- Approximately 5.5 - 6.3 on the Mohs scale
- Has high impact resistance
4. Tungsten
Source: UGC
This material used to be known as wolfram, but today it is commonly referred to as tungsten. It is not frequently used in its natural state, since it is quite prone to breaking, which means tungsten metal is most often used in alloys with other materials.
- Yield - 750 Mpa
- Tensile - 1,725 Mpa
- Approximately 7.5 on the Mohs scale
5. Tungsten carbide
When you combine tungsten with carbon, an alloy called tungsten carbide comes out, which is considered to be the strongest metal alloy. It is so hard that people often put it to use when they have to make tools with a cutting edge, such as a knife or a blade.
- Yield - 300-1,000 Mpa
- Tensile - 500-1,500 Mpa
- Approximately 9-9.5 on the Mohs scale
- Has high impact resistance
6. Titanium
Titanium is frequently used in the aerospace industry for countless purposes. Since the pure material does not have the high yield strength, usually it is alloyed with other combinations.
- Yield - up to 1,200 Mpa (alloys)
- Tensile - 980 Mpa
- Approximately 6 on the Mohs scale
7. Titanium aluminide
This is a special alloy, which is made not only of titanium but also of vanadium and aluminium. It is as strong as the combinations made of nickel, with being significantly lighter than them in terms of weight.
- Yield - 800 Mpa
- Tensile - 880 Mpa
8. Inconel
This combination is made out of nickel, chromium, and austenite, which is why it possesses such power. Moreover, it retains its qualities in high-temperature conditions, which makes it perfect for fueling various machinery.
- Yield - up to 758 Mpa
- Tensile - up to 1,103 Mpa
9. Chromium
Source: UGC
This is a brittle material by itself, but a powerful one when it is merged with others. Often, it is used for metal plating.
- Yield - 316 Mpa
- Tensile - 418 Mpa
- Approximately 9 on the Mohs scale
10. Magnesium alloys
Magnesium creates some incredibly strong mixtures. Scientists conduct multiple experiments with this material, hoping to put it to effective use.
Hopefully, you got your answer to the question about the strongest metal in the world. There are various combinations of this material, and they all possess unique features.
READ ALSO: Most powerful Marvel characters ranked
Legit.ng reported about the most powerful Marvel characters who are also the most loved by viewers. Many of their traits resonate strongly with the viewers and make them relate to these extraordinary characters.
Who of the iconic Marvel characters possess the most unique and impressive capabilities? Check out the full list of these superheroes, and, who knows - perhaps, you will find your favourite character on there.
Source: Legit.ng
