Formulations

Formulation chemistry is a specialised branch of manufacturing that deals with compounds that don’t react together but have desired properties when combined. The components are selected based on their compatibility with one another, rather than how well they react.

A formulation is a product that has been designed for a specific purpose. There are many examples of formulations, including:

  • Paints
  • Varnishes
  • Cleaning products
  • Alloys
  • Medicines
  • Pesticides

Many formulations are complex mixtures in which each chemical serves a specific purpose. Therefore, it is essential to measure each component carefully. This ensures that the formulation contains the correct amount of each component and that each component provides the desired properties.

A common example of a formulation is an alloy.

Alloys

An alloy is a mixture of elements, that contains at least one metal, with metallic properties. Most metals are alloys because the addition of other elements enhances their properties, making them more useful for various applications.

A pure metal, on its own, does not always have all the properties required for a specific use. Therefore, alloys are created to improve their properties beyond what the individual metals can provide.

For example, combining different metals in an alloy can produce a material with both flexibility and strength, depending on the specific amounts of each metal used. We can add different metals or adjust the proportions of metals in the alloy to suit different applications.

Most alloys are created by melting metals, mixing them in a liquid state, and then allowing them to cool and solidify. This process allows you to precisely control the composition of the alloy. It also ensures the even distribution of the different elements throughout the mixture.