2020 – 11 – Effects of Crystal Structure

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A metal’s crystal structure determines its characteristics. HCP structures tend to be very brittle because of the way that they are packed together. FCC metals usually are ductile. They slide around easier than HCP structures. FCC metals include aluminum, nickel, lead and gold. HCP metals include titanium and magnesium.
Metals with a BCC structure have similar properties. They tend to be hard, but not as ductile. Iron, tungsten and chromium are BCC metals at room temperature. The structure of a metal may change at certain temperatures. Since crystal structures are created by the most efficient way to use energy, you can alter the amount of energy being used by changing temperature or pressure. Therefore, a BCC structure may become an FCC structure at greater temperatures.