What defines an alloy as a material?

An alloy is defined as a mixture of two or more metals, which may also include non-metal elements. This combination enhances certain properties of the primary metal, such as strength, corrosion resistance, and malleability. Alloys are created to achieve specific characteristics that a single metal alone would not possess, making them highly valuable in various engineering and manufacturing applications.

For example, steel is an alloy made primarily of iron and carbon, which increases its hardness and tensile strength compared to pure iron. This ability to tailor the properties of metals through alloying is a fundamental aspect of material science and engineering, enabling the development of advanced materials suited for diverse uses.