History and Future of Metallurgical Engineering Research

Metallurgy
Name
Instructor
Metallurgy
Introduction
Metallurgy is the scientific study of metals, their production and industrial purification. It distinguishes the formation of metals from their atomic structure to evaluate the different properties. These properties will influence exploration and subsequent industrial production. After mining, they undergo through several processes to remove impurities and make it ready for commercial use (Campell, 2008). Methods will differ depending on the existence of the metal, either in compound form and the position in the reactivity series. Reactivity series shows the position of metal regarding the reaction rate and violence. Development of metallurgy was in line with the industrial and technological revolution. It was set up in line with needs of each sector of the economy because of its efficiency. It is, therefore, important to explore the importance of metallurgy from the history, properties of metals, production and purification of metals.
History
During the Stone Age period, there were weapons and tools developed from stones and copper. These were necessary for the advances in agriculture, weapons, cooking and transport development. Progress in industrial development grew with more demands for the use of copper, iron and steel (University of California, 2015). Iron is significant because of its availability and price, steel and copper are relatively expensive, and their roles in human development are also expensive. With more growth there have been developments in uses of metals (University of California, 2015). Gold, silver and platinum were discovered in stages that changed the surface of development.
During the industrial revolution, there were more developments of industries like steel, iron and copper. Most of these industries were powered by mining of coal that was a source of energy for the sectors. More mining and production of metallic materials were developed to cater for the growing demands and economic expansion. It progressed from gross industrial products, soft and purified iron sheets, and steel pillars for use in bridges and massive constructions and development of trade (University of California, 2015). With more materials coming into the market from metallic industries there were improved ways of producing the metals. These ranged from explorations, mining, and purification. Today the world has complicated methods of mining, advanced technology for purification and extensive uses of metals.
Determination of the utilization of a metal depended on the result to be achieved. There are heavy users, relatively heavy users, and lighter use. Some applications can be expensive too. The property of metal will determine the use to which it is subjected. Some metals are highly reactive and can be used in weaponry; some are less reactive and can be used in non-reactive applications like copper. Other metals are heavy for industrial purposes as some can be purified to simpler forms and be used for more mere duties like iron sheets employed in buildings. The last category is the price of metal; cheaper expensive. Up to date, gold stands as the most expensive metal and its use are limited to expensive products. The properties of metals will dictate their use. ...