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02 - Material Types and Classification

The document outlines the classification of materials into four main types: Metals, Alloys, Polymers, and Composites, each with unique properties suitable for various applications. It details the characteristics of pure metals and their alloys, including ferrous and non-ferrous types, as well as different categories of polymers and composites. Additionally, it includes a research task for students to explore these material types further.

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10 views9 pages

02 - Material Types and Classification

The document outlines the classification of materials into four main types: Metals, Alloys, Polymers, and Composites, each with unique properties suitable for various applications. It details the characteristics of pure metals and their alloys, including ferrous and non-ferrous types, as well as different categories of polymers and composites. Additionally, it includes a research task for students to explore these material types further.

Uploaded by

dinhmonghoa0209
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Material Types and

Classification
ENGINEERING STUDIES – CORE CONTENT
Syllabus Points
Materials  cast iron (iron and carbon)
Types and classification o non-ferrous (includes major constituents)
 define  brass (copper and zinc)
 metals (pure)  bronze (copper and tin)
 alloys  polymers
o ferrous o thermoplastic (abbreviations only where applicable)
o non-ferrous  acrylic
  polycarbonate
polymers
o thermoplastic  ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
 PLA (polylactic acid)
o thermoset
 PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
o elastomer
o thermoset
 composite  epoxy and polyester resin
 classify o elastomer
 metals (pure)  natural and synthetic rubber
o aluminium  composite
o copper o concrete
o zinc  normal and reinforced
o iron o fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP)
 alloys
o ferrous (includes major constituents)
 steel (iron and carbon)
 stainless steel (iron, carbon, nickel and chromium)
Types of Materials
• We can classify materials into four main types: Pure Metals,
Polymers, Composites, and Alloys.
• Each type of material has unique properties that make it suitable
for different uses. We explored these properties in our previous
lessons.
Pure Metals
• Metals can be classified into two groups: pure metals and alloys.
• Pure metals are made up of a single element.
• Examples:
• Aluminium: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant.
• Copper: Great conductor of electricity.
• Zinc: Used for coating other metals to prevent rust.
• Iron: Strong but can rust easily.
Copper
Aluminium
Alloys
• Alloys are metals that are a mixture of different elements and compounds.
• There are two types of alloys: ferrous and non-ferrous.
• Depending on the composition of the alloy, the properties of the metal can be modified to
improve the properties of the base metal.

Ferrous Alloys (contain iron) Non-ferrous Alloys (no iron)


• Steel (Iron + Carbon): Strong, used in Brass (Copper + Zinc): Used for musical
construction. instruments and jewellery.
• Stainless Steel (Iron + Carbon + Bronze (Copper + Tin): Used for statues
Nickel + Chromium): Corrosion- and coins.
resistant, used in kitchen appliances.
• Cast Iron (Iron + Carbon): Hard, used
in heavy machinery.
Chemical compounds with long chainlike
Polymers molecular structures.
Thermoplastics Thermosets Elastomers
Softens when heated and Harden permanently after Stretchy materials that
can be reshaped. being heated, can’t be return to their original
Examples are: reshaped. shape.
• Acrylic: Clear and tough. Example: Examples:
• Polycarbonate: Tough and • Epoxy and Polyester Resin: • Natural Rubber and
transparent. Used in gluing materials Synthetic Rubber: Used in
• ABS (Acrylonitrile together. Epoxy resin is tires and shoes.
Butadiene Styrene): Strong stronger than polyester.
and impact-resistant.
• PLA (Polylactic Acid):
Biodegradable plastic.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
Used in plumbing pipes.
Composites
• These are materials made from two or more different materials
combined to make them stronger or lighter.

Concrete Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP)


A mix of cement, water, and Lightweight, strong material
aggregates (sand/stone), used made by combining plastic
for buildings and roads. with fibres like glass or carbon.
• Reinforced Concrete: Concrete • Used in car bodies, boats, and
with steel bars to make it sports equipment.
stronger.
Research Task
• You will be researching one of the types of materials we have
looked at (Pure Metals, Alloys, Polymers and Composites).
• Spend ten (10) minutes researching following things about each
material group:
• A definition for the category.
• Properties of the materials.
• Images of the materials (refer to syllabus list).
• Examples of where these materials are used in real life (e.g., buildings, cars,
clothing, electronics).
Summary
• Four categories of materials:
• Metals: Strong and good conductors (e.g., Aluminium, Copper, Iron).
• Alloys: Combination of metals for improved properties (e.g., Steel, Brass,
Bronze).
• Polymers: Versatile plastics for different uses (e.g., Acrylic, ABS, Rubber).
• Composites: Strong and lightweight materials made from two or more
materials (e.g., Concrete, FRP).

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