What does the term 'alloy' refer to in materials science?

The term 'alloy' in materials science specifically refers to a mixture of two or more metals, which can also include metal and non-metal combinations, but the primary focus is on metallic substances. Alloys are created to enhance certain properties such as strength, ductility, resistance to corrosion, and other physical characteristics that pure metals may lack. For example, steel is an alloy made primarily of iron with a small percentage of carbon, which significantly improves its properties compared to pure iron.

In contrast, a compound formed by a metal and a non-metal describes a different category of material where specific chemical bonds create a new substance with distinct properties, which is not what is defined as an alloy. A material composed solely of one type of metal is simply referred to as a pure metal and does not involve the blending of different metals. A rigid structure made from non-metallic elements highlights materials like ceramics or plastics, which are not classified as alloys that involve metallic components.