I don't know a direct answer to the question but i do know that there
were attempts in the 1960s to develop a silver alloy that could be used
for medals so they could be polished without wearing the design away too
quickly (people will polsih their medals). To the best of my
recollection this contained magnesium and the alloy was case hardened by
diffusing in oxygen (the first diffusion profile I ever measured) and
converting the magnesium to MgO, with the MgO dispersion hardening the
silver. Worked a treat except that the silver was left with a very
durable milky whuite patina which was very attarctive but not what was
desired for medals.
Peter Northover
Torbert, Barton wrote:
> The discussion about iron/gold alloys brought up in my mind a question I
> have had for a while.
>
> Did anyone in the past come up with a silver alloy that would retain a
> good cutting edge, not be too brittle, etc.
>
> Bart
>
--
Dr Peter Northover,
Materials Science-Based Archaeology Group,
Department of Materials, University of Oxford
Tel +44 (0)1865 283721; Fax +44 (0)1865 841943 Mobile +44 (0)7785 501745
e-mail [log in to unmask]
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