Introduction to Materials Engineering

Nature of Materials
Properties and Characteristics – Physical, Mechanical and Chemical

Group 1
Angelo, Mark Gabriel
Danao, Rolando
Ma, John Patrick
Nadera, Devie Marie
Sumalinog, Shemron
 Introduction to Materials Engineering

Engineering materials form the backbone of modern technology, enabling the design
and development of structures, machines, and devices across various industries. These
materials include metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, each possessing unique
properties that determine their suitability for specific applications. The study of
engineering materials focuses on understanding their structure, properties, processing
methods, and performance, allowing engineers to select the best material for a given
function.

The evolution of materials has played a crucial role in technological progress, from the
early use of stone and metals to the advanced materials of today, such as
immaterialness and bio-materials. As industries continue to demand stronger, lighter,
and more sustainable materials, advancements in materials science drive innovation in
areas like aerospace, medicine, electronics, and renewable energy.

A fundamental understanding of engineering materials is essential for engineers to

design efficient, cost-effective, and durable solutions. This knowledge also helps in
predicting material behavior under different conditions, ensuring safety and reliability in
applications ranging from bridges and buildings to medical implants and electronic
devices.

Nature of Materials

Materials are substances that make up the physical world, and their properties
determine how they can be used in engineering applications. The study of materials
involves understanding their composition, structure, properties, and behavior under
different conditions.

1. Classification of Materials

Materials are generally classified into the following categories:

Metals – Strong, ductile, conductive (e.g., steel, aluminum).

Ceramics – Hard, brittle, heat-resistant (e.g., glass, porcelain).
Polymers – Lightweight, flexible, low strength (e.g., plastics, rubber).
Semiconductors – Materials with electrical properties between conductors and
insulators (e.g., silicon in microchips).
Composites – Combination of two or more materials to enhance properties (e.g.,
fiberglass, carbon fiber).

2. Atomic Structure and Bonding

The properties of materials depend on their atomic structure and bonding:

Ionic Bonding – Found in ceramics, creates brittle and insulating materials.

Covalent Bonding – Strong bonds found in polymers and some ceramics.
Metallic Bonding – Found in metals, allows electrical and thermal conductivity.
Van der Waals Forces – Weak intermolecular forces in some polymers.
3. Structure of Materials

Materials can have different internal structures, affecting their properties:

Crystalline Structure – Atoms are arranged in an orderly pattern (e.g., metals,

ceramics).
Amorphous Structure – Atoms have a random arrangement (e.g., glass, some
polymers).
Polycrystalline Structure – Contains multiple crystals or grains (e.g., most
metals).

4. Properties of Materials

Key material properties include:

Mechanical Properties – Strength, hardness, toughness, ductility.

Thermal Properties – Conductivity, expansion, heat resistance.
Electrical Properties – Conductivity, resistivity, dielectric strength.
Chemical Properties – Corrosion resistance, reactivity.

5. Materials Selection in Engineering

The choice of material for a specific application depends on factors like:

– Performance requirements (strength, durability, conductivity)

– Sustainability and recyclability
– Environmental conditions (temperature, corrosion exposure)
– Cost and availability

Properties of Materials

Physical Properties

Those distinguishing qualities or characteristics that are used to describe a substance in

the absence of external forces are referred to as physical properties. A description of the
physical behavior of a material would include such characteristics as specific heat,
thermal conductivity, coefficient of expansion, color, refractive index, density, and
electrical resistivity. For many purposes, the engineer is greatly concerned about the
physical properties of materials, particularly of materials to be used for heat exchangers,
electrical equipment, thermal control devices, insulators, thermal insulation, and so
forth.

Definitions of the key physical properties:

Specific Heat:
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by
one degree Celsius (or one Kelvin). It is a measure of how much energy is needed to
change the temperature of a material.
Thermal Conductivity:
A material's ability to conduct heat. It is defined as the quantity of heat that passes
through a material in a given time when there is a temperature difference. Materials with
high thermal conductivity (like metals) transfer heat efficiently.

Coefficient of Expansion:
The degree to which a material expands or contracts in response to a change in
temperature. It is typically expressed as a fractional change in size per degree change in
temperature.

Color:
The appearance of a material in terms of its visual perception, which is determined by
the wavelengths of light it reflects, absorbs, or transmits. Color can influence the
material's thermal properties, as darker colors absorb more heat.

Refractive Index:
A measure of how much light is bent (refracted) as it passes through a material. It
determines how light slows down when entering the material, and is used to describe
optical properties like transparency.

Density:
The mass of a material per unit volume. It is typically expressed as kilograms per cubic
meter (kg/m³) or grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Density influences the buoyancy
and strength of materials.

Electrical Resistivity:
The ability of a material to resist the flow of electric current. A material with high
resistivity, such as rubber or wood, does not allow current to pass easily, while materials
like copper have low resistivity and allow current to flow more easily.

Mechanical Properties

Those properties which describe the behavior of materials under the application of force
are called mechanical properties. Such characteristics as strength, hardness,
machinability, ductility, elasticity, and plasticity are included within this designation.
These properties are of great interest to the engineer who is called upon to select
materials for machines and structures and to determine the sizes of various members so
that they will support loads adequately.

In order to use engineering materials in design, fabrication, or construction, a knowledge

of mechanical properties is necessary. These properties are determined in the laboratory
under fixed rules of procedure which govern the art of mechanical testing. A mechanical
test may be defined as one in which all of the variables affecting a given property are
controlled and the property in question is measured under fixed conditions. The effect of
any variable upon this property can thus be specifically determined. However, it must
always be remembered that the property that has been determined is conditioned by the
method of testing. Frequently, these methods are much less complex than the conditions
prevailing in a specific application. One must therefore be careful in applying the results
of specific laboratory tests of materials to the performance of materials in complicated.
Chemical Properties

Engineering materials are selected based on their chemical properties, which determine
their behavior in different environments. These properties influence a material’s
durability, reactivity, and overall performance in engineering applications. The key
chemical properties include chemical composition, atomic bonding, corrosion resistance,
and acidity or alkalinity

1. Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of a material refers to the elements and compounds that
make up its structure. It determines the material’s strength, hardness, ductility, and
resistance to environmental factors. For example:
Steel – consists mainly of iron and carbon, with varying amounts of alloying
elements like chromium and nickel, which enhance its strength and corrosion
resistance.
Polymers – are composed of long chains of carbon-based molecules, providing
flexibility and lightweight properties.
Ceramics – contain compounds like oxides, carbides, and nitrides, offering high
heat and wear resistance.

2. Atomic Bonding
Atomic bonding defines how atoms are arranged and held together in a material,
affecting its mechanical and chemical stability. The main types of atomic bonding are:
Ionic Bonding – Found in ceramics and salts, where electrons are transferred
between atoms, leading to strong, brittle materials.
Covalent Bonding – Present in polymers and semiconductors, where atoms
share electrons, resulting in materials with moderate strength and flexibility.
Metallic Bonding – Common in metals, where free electrons move within the
structure, providing electrical conductivity, ductility, and toughness.

3. Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion resistance refers to a material’s ability to withstand chemical deterioration due
to environmental exposure. Factors affecting corrosion resistance include:
Passive Films – Some metals, like aluminum and stainless steel, form protective
oxide layers that prevent further corrosion.
Alloying Elements – The addition of chromium, molybdenum, or nickel improves
resistance to rust and oxidation.
Environmental Conditions – Exposure to moisture, salt, and chemicals can
accelerate corrosion in susceptible materials like iron and copper.

4. Acidity or Alkalinity
A material’s stability in acidic or alkaline environments is critical for applications in
chemical processing and construction. The pH level of surrounding substances affects a
material’s degradation rate:
Acid-resistant Materials – Stainless steel, titanium, and glass resist acidic
environments, preventing corrosion and degradation.
Alkali-resistant Materials – Concrete and certain ceramics withstand high-pH
conditions, making them suitable for wastewater treatment and industrial
applications.
Reactivity with pH – Some metals, like aluminum, corrode in alkaline
environments, while others, like copper, deteriorate in acidic conditions.
Reference

Engineering Materials and Process, 3rd Edition, D.S. Clark, International Textbook
Company, 1958