In metallic bonding, the electrons are “surrendered” to a common pool and become shared by all the atoms in the solid metal.
Metallic bonding is found in metals and their alloys. When the atoms give up their valence electrons, they form ions. These ions are held together by the electron cloud surrounding them.
Metallic bonding generally results in a material being strong and stiff and gives:
- High elastic modulus
- High strength
- Good electrical conductivity (because the electrons can move easily)
- Metallic lustre
- High ductility