Materials are substances or matter that are used to create products or structures.  They can be natural or synthetic, and can exist in various forms such as solids, liquids, and gases.  Materials can have different properties such as strength, flexibility, conductivity, and durability, which make them suitable for different applications.  The study of materials involves understanding the structure, properties, and behavior of materials, as well as their processing and manufacturing methods.

Materials science and engineering is a field that focuses on the development and design of materials for various applications, ranging from everyday consumer products to advanced technologies like aerospace and biomedical devices.  The field also involves the development of new materials with unique properties to address specific challenges or needs.

• See Articles  -  List of Tags, List of Categories, List of Articles, List of Glossaries, Nomenclature and Symbols, (See Materials Glossary)

There are Four Categories of Material

• Ceramic  -  A broad term that encompasses a wide range of inorganic, non-metallic materials, typically produced through the heating and cooling of natural clay and other minerals.  These materials are known for their hardness, strength, and resistance to heat and corrosion.  Ceramics can be classified into various types based on their composition, properties, and applications.  Ceramics play a role in our daily lives and have diverse applications due to their unique combination of properties.
• Composite  -  A combination of two or more distinct materials with different physical or chemical properties that, when combined, create a new material with characteristics different from the individual components.  The goal is often to enhance or combine the desirable properties of the constituent materials.  Composites are designed to leverage the strengths of each component while mitigating their respective weaknesses.
• Metal  -  A metal is a class of chemical elements characterized by specific physical and chemical properties that distinguish them from other elements.  Metals are typically defined by their ability to conduct heat and electricity, malleability, ductility, luster, and their tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations) in chemical reactions.
• Polymer  -  A long chain of molecules linked together.  A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers, which are covalently bonded together in a chain or network.  Polymers can be naturally occurring, like DNA, proteins, and cellulose, or synthetic, like plastics, rubber, and nylon.  Polymers are widely used due to their versatility, being found in materials with diverse characteristics, such as strength, flexibility, or elasticity.