Classification of Materials

Classification of Materials

Basic Concepts and Terminology

• Material: Anything made of matter, commonly categorised as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.

• Material Science: The study of the properties and uses of materials, including how they can be altered and improved.

• Atomic Structure: Understanding the way atoms are arranged in a material can inform its properties and behaviours, e.g., conductivity, hardness, brittleness etc.

Metals

• Metals are typically malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.

• Ferrous metals such as iron and steel: These metals contain iron and are known for their strength and durability, though they’re prone to rusting.

• Non-ferrous metals such as aluminium and copper: These metals do not contain iron, often lighter and more corrosion resistant.

Polymers

• Polymers are macromolecules, comprised of many repeating units known as monomers.

• Examples include plastics and rubbers, with properties like flexibility, insulation, and resistance to corrosion.

• Some common types of polymers are polyethylene, PVC, and nylon.

Ceramics

• Ceramics are inorganic and non-metallic materials made from compounds of a metal and a nonmetal.

• Characterised by hardness, brittleness, and resistance to heat and chemicals, ceramics include pottery, bricks, and glass.

• Advanced ceramics, like silicon carbide and alumina, are used in industries such as electronics and aerospace.

Composites

• Composite materials are made from two or more distinct substances, designed to exhibit a combination of the best properties of the individual materials.

• Examples include fibreglass (glass fibres in a polymer matrix), carbon fibre composites, and concrete (cement and aggregate).

• Frequently used where a balance of strength, weight, and resistance to various conditions is necessary.