Chapter 1

Composition

The chemical make-up of a material; for example, Al-4 wt.%Cu means 96 wt.% Al and 4 wt.% Cu.

Synthesis

The process of making materials from naturally occurring or man-made chemicals.

Processing

How materials are shaped into useful components.

Structure

Atomic arrangement seen at different length scales.

Properties

Characteristics of materials, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, optical, and corrosion resistance.

Classification of materials

Grouping materials into categories based on common characteristics such as metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, and composites.

Metals and alloys

Crystalline inorganic materials known for strength, ductility, thermal, and electrical conductivity.

Ceramics

Inorganic, crystalline, non-metallic materials.

Glasses

Inorganic, non-crystalline (amorphous) non-metallic materials.

Glass-ceramics

Materials with nano-sized ceramics embedded in glass.

Polymers

Organic materials produced by a process called polymerization.

Semiconductors

Materials with electrical conductivity that falls between that of ceramics and metallic materials.

Composites

Materials characterized by a matrix phase and a reinforcing phase, providing unique property combinations.

Doping

A process used to control the electrical conductivity of semiconductors.

Alumina (Al2O3)

A common ceramic used for its strong compression properties and electrical insulation.

Polycarbonate

A type of polymer known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and good thermal and electrical insulation.

CFRP

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic, a type of polymer matrix composite.

Zerodur™

A glass-ceramic known for zero thermal expansion, often used in telescope mirror substrates.

Mechanical properties

Attributes of materials that determine their performance under various forces.

Thermal properties

Properties that describe a material's behavior in response to heat.

Electrical properties

Characteristics of materials in response to electric fields.

Corrosion resistance

The ability of a material to withstand degradation due to environmental factors.