ENGR 2320- Materials and Processes for ABE

Laboratory Exercise 1 – Classification of Materials

Name: Kristel Ann C. Antonio Section: BSABE 2-3

I. Introduction

Materials and processes play a crucial role in Agricultural and Biosystems

Engineering (ABE), where the selection and application of engineering materials
impact the efficiency, durability, and sustainability of agricultural systems. Materials
such as metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and biomaterials are used in farm
machinery, irrigation systems, post-harvest storage, and food processing
equipment. Understanding material properties, including strength, corrosion
resistance, and thermal stability, is essential for designing reliable agricultural
infrastructure.

Additionally, various manufacturing and processing techniques, such as

casting, welding, machining, and 3D printing, influence the performance and
longevity of agricultural tools and equipment. Advanced processing methods, like
nanotechnology and bio-based material development, are also emerging to
enhance efficiency and sustainability. By integrating materials science with
engineering principles, ABE professionals can develop innovative solutions to
improve agricultural productivity, reduce environmental impact, and ensure food
security.

II. Objectives
a. Identify the different classification of materials that are commonly used in
engineering:
b. Discuss the different properties of each material;

III. Discussion

Classifications of Construction Materials that are used by Engineers.

Metals
• High strength & toughness – Can withstand heavy loads and impacts.
• Good electrical & thermal conductivity – Used in wiring and heat
exchangers.
• Malleable & ductile – Can be shaped into different forms.
• Prone to corrosion – Some require coatings or alloys for protection.
Polymers
• Lightweight & flexible – Easy to transport and mold into various
shapes.
• Corrosion & chemical resistant – Ideal for harsh environments.

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 • Low thermal & electrical conductivity – Used as insulators.
• Lower strength compared to metals – But reinforced plastics can be
strong.
Ceramics
• Hard & brittle – High strength but can crack under impact.
• High temperature resistance – Used in furnaces and aerospace.
• Good electrical insulation – Ideal for electronic components.
• Corrosion resistant – Unaffected by most chemicals and moisture.
Composites
• Combination of materials – Designed to achieve superior properties.
• High strength-to-weight ratio – Stronger than many metals but lighter.
• Corrosion & fatigue resistance – Used in aerospace, sports, and
marine applications.
• Customizable properties – Can be tailored for specific needs.
Semiconductors
• Intermediate electrical conductivity – Can act as both conductor and
insulator.
• Used in electronics – Essential for transistors, chips, and circuits.
• Sensitive to temperature & doping – Performance can be modified by
adding impurities.
• Small size & lightweight – Enables miniaturization in technology.

EXAMPLES OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND THEIR GROUPS

Metals

FEATURES:

• High strength and toughness

• Good electrical and thermal
conductivity
• Malleable and ductile (can be
shaped easily)
• Can corrode but may be alloyed
COPPER for corrosion resistance
• High density

Examples:

• Ferrous Metals (Contain iron)

o Steel (Used in
construction and
machinery)

o Cast Iron (Used in engine

blocks and pipes)
STEEL
• Non-Ferrous Metals (Do not
contain iron)
2 o Aluminum (Used in
aerospace and
 Features:
Polymers
• Lightweight and flexible
• Low thermal and electrical
conductivity (good insulators)
• Resistant to corrosion and
chemicals
• Lower strength compared to
metals and ceramics
• Can be easily molded into
different shapes

POLYETHYLENE Examples:

• Thermoplastics (Can be melted

and reshaped)
o Polyethylene (Used in
packaging and pipes)
o Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
(Used in pipes and
electrical cables)

PVC

Ceramics
Features:

• Hard and brittle (resistant to

wear and abrasion)

• High-temperature resistance

• Poor electrical and thermal

conductivity (good insulators)

• Corrosion and chemical

PORCELAIN resistant

• High compressive strength but

low tensile strength

Examples:

• Traditional Ceramics

GLASS o Clay (Used in bricks and

tiles)

o Glass (Used in windows

and optical devices)

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Composites

Features:

• Hard and brittle (resistant to

wear and abrasion)

• High-temperature resistance

• Poor electrical and thermal

conductivity (good insulators)
FIBERGLASS • Corrosion and chemical
resistant

v • High compressive strength but

low tensile strength

Examples:

• Traditional Ceramics

o Clay (Used in bricks and

tiles)
CARBON FIBER
o Glass (Used in windows
and optical devices)
CRYSTALLINE SUBSTANCE

A crystalline substance is a material in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are

arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern that extends in all three dimensions. This
regular arrangement forms a crystal lattice, which gives the substance distinct physical
properties such as sharp melting points, well-defined shapes, and characteristic optical
behavior.

In contrast, amorphous substances lack this long-range order, making their properties
more variable (e.g., glass, rubber, and some plastics).

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CRYSTALLINE AND AMORPHOUS STATES

Property Crystalline State Amorphous State

Atomic Highly ordered, Random, disordered
Arrangement repeating pattern arrangement

Well-defined geometric
Shape No definite shape
shape

Sharp, well-defined Gradual softening over a range

Melting Point
melting point of temperatures

Mechanical Brittle in some cases

Often softer and more flexible
Properties but strong

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Definition of Grain in Metals
A grain in a metal is a single crystal within a polycrystalline material where the atomic
arrangement is uniform. The boundaries between grains are called grain boundaries, which
can influence the metal’s mechanical and physical properties.
Factors Controlling Grain Size in Metals:
1. Cooling Rate – Faster cooling (rapid solidification) produces smaller grains, while
slower cooling results in larger grains.
2. Nucleation Rate – A higher number of nucleation sites leads to smaller grains.
3. Heat Treatment – Processes like annealing can refine or enlarge grains.
4. Alloying Elements – Some elements inhibit grain growth, leading to finer
microstructures.
5. Mechanical Working – Processes like forging and rolling can alter grain size.

Definition of Allotropy
Allotropy is the ability of an element to exist in different structural forms (crystal
structures) in the same physical state. These different forms are called allotropes, and they
exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties.
Examples of Allotropy:
• Carbon – Diamond, Graphite, Graphene
• Iron – Ferrite (BCC), Austenite (FCC), Martensite
• Oxygen – O₂ (Oxygen gas), O₃ (Ozone)
Allotropy occurs due to variations in bonding and atomic arrangements under different
conditions such as temperature and pressure.

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 IV. References

Google. (n.d.). Gallium in construction. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from

https://www.google.com/search?q=GALLIUM+IN+CONSTRUCTION
Google. (n.d.). Silicon in construction. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from
https://www.google.com/search?q=SILICON+IN+CONSTRUCTION
Google. (n.d.). Porcelain in construction. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from
https://www.google.com/search?q=PORCELAIN+IN+CONSTRUCTION
Google. (n.d.). Metals. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from
https://www.google.com/search?q=metals
Google. (n.d.). Fiberglass in construction. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from
https://www.google.com/search?q=FIBERGLASS+IN+CONSTRUCTION