MATERIALS ENGINEERING 10 | CHAPTER 2

MATERIALS IN HUMAN EXPERIENCE

1. Stone Age (100,000 BC)

Stone Tool:

- Use for hunting and gathering allowed early humans to adapt and survive in their environment.

Stone Tool:

- Use for hunting and gathering allowed early humans to adapt and survive in their environment.

2. Copper/Bronze Age (10,000 BC)

Copper:

• Marked as the first significant used of metal by humans and the development of copper metallurgy enabled the creation of copper tools for hunting, farming, and construction.

Bronze

• Alloying copper with tin created bronze, material with superior properties compared to pure copper.

• Search for tin established trade routes

Copper:

• Marked as the first significant used of metal by humans and the development of copper metallurgy enabled the creation of copper tools for hunting, farming, and construction.

Bronze

• Alloying copper with tin created bronze, material with superior properties compared to pure copper.

• Search for tin established trade routes

3. Iron Age (100 BC)

Iron

• Harder, more durable, and more abundant than copper and bronze.

• Revolutionized warfare, agriculture, and trade.

Iron

• Harder, more durable, and more abundant than copper and bronze.

• Revolutionized warfare, agriculture, and trade.

4. Steel Age (1900s)

Steel

• Invention of Bessemer process by Sir Henry Bessemer started mass production of steel.

• Availability of steel led to innovations such as the construction of steel-framed buildings, the development of steam engines, and the production of modern weaponry.

Steel

• Invention of Bessemer process by Sir Henry Bessemer started mass production of steel.

• Availability of steel led to innovations such as the construction of steel-framed buildings, the development of steam engines, and the production of modern weaponry.

5. Polymer Age (1940s)

Bakelite

• The first synthetic polymer invented that transformed materials science and engineering. 

Engineered Polymer (PVC, nylon)

• World War II accelerated the development of synthetic polymers due to the demand for materials with specific properties, such as durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.

Bakelite

• The first synthetic polymer invented that transformed materials science and engineering. 

Engineered Polymer (PVC, nylon)

• World War II accelerated the development of synthetic polymers due to the demand for materials with specific properties, such as durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.

Silicon Age (1960)

Silicon

• Discovery of silicon lead to the develop of semiconductors. Transistor

• A type of semiconductor that can amplify and switch electronic signals.

• Enabled the miniaturization of electronic components for smaller, faster, and more reliable electronic devices.

 Integrated Circuits

• Combine the functions of multiple discrete components into a compact and highly efficient packag

Silicon

• Discovery of silicon lead to the develop of semiconductors. Transistor

• A type of semiconductor that can amplify and switch electronic signals.

• Enabled the miniaturization of electronic components for smaller, faster, and more reliable electronic devices.

 Integrated Circuits

• Combine the functions of multiple discrete components into a compact and highly efficient package

Functional Materials Age (1980s –2000s)

Composite Materials:

• Made by combining two or more distinct materials to create a new material with enhanced properties.

Functional Ceramics

• The development of functional ceramics, such as piezoelectric ceramics and superconducting ceramics, has had a profound impact on various industries.

Nanomaterials

• Led to the development of novel composite and functional materials as materials have unique properties at the nanoscale.

Biomaterials

• Need for materials that can interact with biological systems for medical and healthcare applications drive the development of biomaterials

Biomaterials

• Need for materials that can interact with biological systems for medical and healthcare applications drive the development of biomaterials

Composite Materials:

• Made by combining two or more distinct materials to create a new material with enhanced properties.

Functional Ceramics

• The development of ************** , such as piezoelectric ceramics and superconducting ceramics, has had a profound impact on various industries.

Nanomaterials

• Led to the development of novel composite and functional materials as materials have unique properties at the nanoscale.

Stone Age (3500 BC):

• A broad period in human history characterized by the predominant use of stone tools and weapons. Gradual progression in tool-making techniques, from simple chipped stones in the Paleolithic to more refined and specialized tools in the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, laid the foundation for future developments in human civilization, including the advent of metalworking in the subsequent ages.

Mesopotamia and Egypt (4000-3000 BC): 

• These civilizations used materials such as mud bricks, stone, wood, and metals like copper and bronze for construction, tools, and weapons.

Ancient Greece and Rome (1000 BC-500 AD):

• The Greeks and Romans advanced the use of materials by developing concrete, which allowed for the construction of monumental structures like the Parthenon and Colosseum. They also used marble extensively for sculptures and architecture.

Medieval Europe (500-1500 AD):

• During this period, there was a resurgence in metalworking, particularly iron. Iron became widely used for tools, weapons, and armor.

Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries):

• Muslim scholars made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in ceramics, glass, and metallurgy.

Renaissance and Enlightenment (14th-18th centuries):

• The Renaissance saw advancements in materials such as glassmaking, with the invention of clear glass and stained-glass windows. The Enlightenment period brought scientific inquiry and discoveries, leading to developments in chemistry and the understanding of materials.

Industrial Revolution (18th-19th centuries):

• marked a significant shift in materials usage. The development of steam power, the use of coal and iron, and the rise of factories transformed manufacturing processes. The invention of the Bessemer process (1856) enabled the mass production of steel, revolutionizing construction, transportation, and industry.

• Bessemer process (1856)

•  The invention of the *************** enabled the mass production of steel, revolutionizing construction, transportation, and industry.