Definition

Noun: A pyrophoric alloy made from a mixture of rare-earth metals. It is primarily composed of cerium and lanthanum, along with smaller amounts of other rare-earth elements. Its key property is its ability to produce sparks when struck or scratched, making it useful in ignition devices.

Usage

Misch metal is used as a material, typically in industrial or manufacturing contexts. * It is often incorporated into alloys to improve their properties. * It is a key component in the flints of cigarette lighters and similar ignition tools.

Examples

• The old lighter's spark was generated by a small wheel striking a rod of misch metal.
• Adding misch metal to the steel alloy improved its strength and workability.
• Misch metal is pyrophoric, meaning it ignites spontaneously in air when finely divided.

Advanced Usage

• As a reducing agent: In metallurgy, misch metal is sometimes used as a scavenger to remove oxygen and sulfur from molten metals during steel production.
• In magnesium alloys: It is added to magnesium-based alloys to increase their heat resistance and creep strength for use in aerospace components.

Variants and Related Words

• Mischmetal: An alternative spelling for the same alloy.
• Ferrocerium: A closely related pyrophoric alloy that often contains misch metal as a primary ingredient along with iron. While similar, ferrocerium is a specific formulation commonly used in modern "flint" strikers.

Synonyms

• Pyrophoric alloy: A general term for any alloy that ignites spontaneously in air.
• Rare-earth alloy: A broader term for any alloy primarily composed of rare-earth elements.

Notes

• The name "misch metal" comes from the German , meaning "mixed metal."
• It should be handled with care due to its pyrophoric nature, especially in powder or fine chip form.

Noun

1. a pyrophoric alloy made from a mixture of rare-earth metals