Materials science is the study of the components and the creation of different materials. Although it involves a wide variety of disciplines, chemistry is the predominant component of material science development. Materials science involves looking at the microstructure of a material as well as how you can process, synthesize, use and dispose of them.
Evolution of Materials Science
At the very beginning of civilization, people naturally used materials like wood, clay, and animal skins as their primary materials. Later, copper was discovered and the process of creating a harder alloy was invented. Iron and steel industries developed later.
Once atoms were discovered and later studied in the 1930s, material science started to evolve to what it is now today. At this time, chemists and physicists began to look at the relationship between materials as well as their properties. This study later led to various engineering applications.
Modern-Day Applications
Many manufacturers and other businesses use materials science and engineering to create new products and improve existing ones.
For example, a business may study a range of materials for a given use and evaluate them based on cost and performance. Engineers may be able to understand the limits of a particular material, how it will change when combined with another material, or what will occur in a particular application. Materials science can also help companies develop new materials, and therefore, new products to work better or be more durable.
Used originally in their natural form, metals today can be changed, shaped and used in a myriad of applications. Although natural materials are still heavily mined today, the uses and applications for the materials continues to develop.
Ceramics
Different types of ceramics can be made into home goods, bone replacements, tools or conductors.
Semiconductors
These materials are typically used to conduct electricity and form the foundation of many of our electronic gadgets and tools today. Much of the technology used in Internet of Things are based on semiconductors.
Polymers
Simply larger molecules made of smaller ones, polymers are everywhere including in all plastic materials. Material science can contribute to how we produce, reuse and recycle plastics in the future.
Composites.
Engineers can combine materials into composite ones to make stronger, more durable or longer-lasting materials.
Biomaterials
All those materials that exist in living things fall into this category and can inspire the development of new similar materials for other uses.
New Developments
Scientists are still breaking down and creating new materials at an atomic and molecular level today.
Conclusion
Overall, a basic understanding of how you can synthesize, use and dispose of the fundamental components of different material categories, will set you up for a greater appreciation for materials science. The basics of manufacturing come from materials science - a core understanding of its principles will prepare you to thrive in the industry and beyond.
Materials science is the study of the components and the creation of different materials. Although it involves a wide variety of disciplines, chemistry is the predominant component of material science development. Materials science involves looking at the microstructure of a material as well as how you can process, synthesize, use and dispose of them.
Evolution of Materials Science
At the very beginning of civilization, people naturally used materials like wood, clay, and animal skins as their primary materials. Later, copper was discovered and the process of creating a harder alloy was invented. Iron and steel industries developed later.
Once atoms were discovered and later studied in the 1930s, material science started to evolve to what it is now today. At this time, chemists and physicists began to look at the relationship between materials as well as their properties. This study later led to various engineering applications.
Modern-Day Applications
Many manufacturers and other businesses use materials science and engineering to create new products and improve existing ones.
For example, a business may study a range of materials for a given use and evaluate them based on cost and performance. Engineers may be able to understand the limits of a particular material, how it will change when combined with another material, or what will occur in a particular application. Materials science can also help companies develop new materials, and therefore, new products to work better or be more durable.
Major Categories of Materials
Most materials fall into some larger, more general categories including those listed below:
Metals
Used originally in their natural form, metals today can be changed, shaped and used in a myriad of applications. Although natural materials are still heavily mined today, the uses and applications for the materials continues to develop.
Ceramics
Different types of ceramics can be made into home goods, bone replacements, tools or conductors.
Semiconductors
These materials are typically used to conduct electricity and form the foundation of many of our electronic gadgets and tools today. Much of the technology used in Internet of Things are based on semiconductors.
Polymers
Simply larger molecules made of smaller ones, polymers are everywhere including in all plastic materials. Material science can contribute to how we produce, reuse and recycle plastics in the future.
Composites.
Engineers can combine materials into composite ones to make stronger, more durable or longer-lasting materials.
Biomaterials
All those materials that exist in living things fall into this category and can inspire the development of new similar materials for other uses.
New Developments
Scientists are still breaking down and creating new materials at an atomic and molecular level today.
Conclusion
Overall, a basic understanding of how you can synthesize, use and dispose of the fundamental components of different material categories, will set you up for a greater appreciation for materials science. The basics of manufacturing come from materials science - a core understanding of its principles will prepare you to thrive in the industry and beyond.