362* Experiments on the Alloys of Steel, 



The alloys of steel with rhodium are likely to prove highly 

 valuable. Tlie scarcity of that metal must, however, operate 

 against its introduction to any great extent. 



It is to Dr. Wollaston we are indebted, not only for sug- 

 gesting the trial of rhodium, but also for a liberal supply of the 

 metal, as well as much valuable information relative to fuel, 

 crucibles, &c. ; this liberality enables us to continue our expe- 

 riments on this alloy. The proportions we have used are from 

 1 to 2 per cent. The valuable properties of the rhodium al- 

 loys are hardness, with sufficient tenacity to prevent cracking 

 either in forging or in hardening. This superior hardness is so 

 remarkable, that in tempering a few cutting-articles made from 

 the alloy, they required to be heated full 30° Fahr. higher than 

 the best wootz, wootz itself requiring to be heated flill 40° 

 above the best English cast steel. Thermometrical degrees are 

 named, that being the only accurate method of tempering steel. 



Gold forms a good alloy with steel. We are yet enabled to 

 speak of its properties. It does not promise to be of the same 

 value as the alloys of silver, platinum, and rhodium. 



Steel with two per cent, of copper, forms an alloy. Steel 

 also alloys with tin. Of the value of these we have doubts. If, 

 on further trial, they, together with other combinations requir- 

 ing more time than we have been able to bestow on them, 

 should prove at all likely to be interesting and useful, the re- 

 sults will be frankly communicated. 



Our experiments have hitherto been confined to small quan- 

 tities of the metals, seldom exceeding 2,000 grains in weight ; 

 and we are aware that the operations of the laboratory are not 

 always successful when practised on a large scale. There 

 does not, however, appear to be any good reason why equal 

 success may not attend the working on larger masses of the 

 metals, provided the same diligence and means are employed. 



From the facility of obtaining silver, it is probable that its 

 alloy with steel is the most valuable of those we have made. 

 To enumerate its applications, would be to name almost every 

 edge-tool. It is also probable that it will prove valuable for ma- 

 king dies, especially when combined with the best Indian steel. 

 Specific Gravities of Alloys, Sfc. mc7itioneil in theprecedingPapa: 



Iron, unliammered 7'o47 



Wootz, iinliammered (Bombay) 7"665 



Wootz, tilled (Bombay) I'CIO 



Wootz, in cake (Bengal) 7'730 



Wootz, fused & ham''. (Bengal) 7'787 



]Meteoric iron, hammered 7'965 



Iron, and 3 ;)Cr cfxt nickel ... 7'804 

 Iron, and 10 per cent nickel ... 7'849 

 Steel, & lOf/n. platinum (mirror) S'lOO 



* Tlie calculated moan specific gravity of this alloy is 11-2723, assimiing the 

 <ipcc;fic gravity of platinum and steel, as expressed in this table, 

 f The calculated mean specific gravity of this alloy is 16'0766. 



LXXVI. On 



Steel, & 10;ipr cf?!^ nickel(mirror) 7*384 

 Steel, & 1 per ct. gold, hammered 7'870 

 Steel, & 2 per ct. silver, ditto ... 7*808 

 Steel, t"t \-5pcr c^ platinum, ditto 7*732 

 Steel, & VSpcr ct. rhodium, ditto 7*795 

 Steel, & 3 per ct. nickel, ditto ... 7-750 

 Platinum 50, & steel 50, unha"". * 9*862 

 Platinum'90, & steel 20, ditto f 15*88 

 Platinum, hammered and rolled 21*25 



