Metals

Of all the 115 elements listed in the Periodic Table, 70% exhibit metallic character. Since the discovery of copper and bronze by early civilizations, the study of metals (

i.e.

, metallurgy) contributed to most of the early investigations related to materials science. Whereas iron-based alloys have long been exploited for a variety of applications, there is a constant search for new metallic compositions that have increasing structural durability, but also possess sufficiently less density. The recent exploitation of titanium-based alloys results from this effort, and has resulted in very useful materials that are used for applications ranging from aircraft bodies to golf clubs. Indeed, there are many yet undiscovered metallic compositions that will undoubtedly prove invaluable for future applications.