Materials Science
Introduction
Materials science, also known as materials engineering, is an interdisciplinary field applying the properties of Matter and its applications to various areas of science and engineering. This scientific field investigates the relationship between the structure of materials at atomic or molecular scales and their macroscopic properties. It incorporates elements of applied physics and chemistry, as well as chemical, mechanical, civil and electrical engineering.
Classification of Materials
Materials can be classified into four main groups: metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
Metals
Metals are elements that are good conductors of electricity and heat, and which possess the property of malleability, that is, the ability to deform under compression without breaking. They have a characteristic lustre, or shine, and are generally denser than other materials.
Polymers
Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating subunits. The vast majority of polymers are organic compounds formed from hydrocarbon monomers. Polymers are used in a wide variety of applications due to their wide range of properties, from rubbery elastomers to rigid plastics.
Ceramics
Ceramics are hard, brittle, heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials made by shaping and then firing a nonmetallic mineral, such as clay, at a high temperature. Examples include brick, porcelain, and glass.
Composites
Composite materials are made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. The individual components remain separate and distinct within the finished structure.
Material Properties
Materials science is also concerned with the properties that materials exhibit, which are classified into two main types: physical properties and chemical properties.
Physical Properties
Physical properties of materials include hardness, ductility, brittleness, toughness, strength, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and density. These properties are often governed by the laws of physics.
Chemical Properties
Chemical properties of materials include reactivity, flammability, oxidation states, coordination numbers, and types of chemical bonds formed. These properties are often governed by the laws of chemistry.
Material Structure
The structure of a material refers to the arrangement of its internal components. There are four types of material structures: atomic structure, microstructure, macrostructure, and crystal structure.
Atomic Structure
The atomic structure of a material refers to the arrangement of atoms within it. This structure is determined by the type of chemical bonding, the atomic radius, and the electronic structure of the atoms.
Microstructure
The microstructure of a material is the structure of a material as viewed under a microscope. This includes the grain size, phase distribution, and any other microscale structures.
Macrostructure
The macrostructure of a material is its structure as seen with the naked eye. It includes the material's overall shape and size, its surface features, and any visible defects or patterns.
Crystal Structure
The crystal structure of a material describes the order in which atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a material. It is determined by the material's chemical composition and the conditions under which it was formed.
Material Processing
Material processing refers to the series of steps that a raw material undergoes to convert it into a usable product. These steps can include purification, alloying, forming, shaping, and heat treatment.
Applications of Materials Science
Materials science has a wide range of applications, including materials design, the creation of new materials, processing techniques, and the use of materials in products and devices.
Future of Materials Science
The future of materials science promises advancements in technology, medicine, construction, and many other fields. With the development of new materials and the improvement of existing ones, the possibilities are endless.