All the materials used in the field of engineering can be classified to several main classes, which are ceramics, metals, polymers, semiconductors and composites. These classes can be further broken into various sub-groups, each with different applications. Every object we come across belongs to one or combinations of these classes.
The most common ceramics we could relate to are pottery, china and glassware. The walls and tiles in our house are also made of ceramic materials. Ceramics are actually inorganic non-metallic solid which are heated and subsequently cooled.
Metals have been extensively used by humans since the early Bronze Age. Metals are normally used to make solid products from cabinets to bridges. Due to the good electric conductivity of metals, all electronic materials rely on metals or its alloys to transmit electricity.
Polymers are now preferred as common materials for solids due to the high strength, light weight and low costs. Traditional wooden tables, stools and chairs are now made of plastics. Though plastics are excellent materials, they pose a serious threat to our environment because plastics are not biodegradable.
Composites are made up of two or more types of materials. The wood from trees is a fine example of composites. Composites are often more desirable because they possess the perks of the constituent materials. Concrete is made of ceramics and metals, and have better strength then either of those materials.
Semiconductors are mostly used in electronic devices. The most popular semiconductor right now is silicon, which powers most of our computers. LEDs and solar panels are also made of semiconductors.
Just take a look at the assets we have and try to classify them today.
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