Non-Metallic and Organic Materials: Properties and Uses
Non-Metallic Mineral Materials
This material group is very heterogeneous. Some commonly used materials are:
Ceramic Materials
This does not apply to objects made from clay. Mixed with water, clay forms a plastic and even mass, which acquires stiffness when dry. This property is increased and stabilizes when the parts are brought to the kiln. Ceramic materials are very resistant to high temperatures and the effects of most chemical agents.
Applications
- Structural Use: Clay for the manufacture of bricks, tiles, and stoneware.
- Pottery and Object Manufacturing: Easily molded materials such as terracotta, tiles, porcelain, and china.
- Refractory: Clay with high silica content, able to withstand high temperatures.
Construction Materials
Cement is a group of binders that, when mixed with water and mineral aggregates of stone (such as gravel and sand), form a pasty mixture that hardens upon drying. This is particularly useful because it allows for the easy production of solid structures of almost any form. Once complete, the resulting material is called concrete. Concrete is used in combination with iron, fiberglass, or special plastic to create reinforced concrete, which is very strong under compression and therefore widely used for the construction of large buildings and engineering structures.
Glass
Glass is a substance made from silica. It is an amorphous material in a vitreous state, in which the molecular units are arranged in a disorderly way.
Applications
- Manufacture of Containers of Any Type: Used for the manufacture of all types of containers due to its great resistance to chemical agents.
- Used as insulation.
- Used in construction for doors and windows.
- Used in optics.
- Used in ceramics.
Organic Materials
The materials in this group are obtained from plants or animals.
Vegetable Materials
Paper
Paper consists of layers of cellulose fiber, a natural polymer of glucose that plays a structural role in plant cells. It is a soft material with low density, used to develop books, newspapers, etc.
Wood
Composed of cellulose and lignin, wood is obtained from the trunks of trees. Depending on the species, wood can have different properties. As a rule, it is a lightweight and very resistant material. It is used in furniture manufacturing, light doors, and tools. Due to its heat-insulating properties, it is also used to build coverings for walls and floors.
Textile Fibers
Notable textile fabrics include:
- Cotton: The most important of textile fabrics, representing over 50% of the fibers used by the textile industry. It is obtained from the filaments contained in the capsule of the plant’s seeds and is mostly made up of cellulose fibers.
- Linen: Textile fiber obtained from the stem filament of the plant of the same name. The cellulose microfibers of linen are arranged in one direction and present a tubular and inelastic structure. The resulting material is highly resistant.
- Jute: Obtained from a plant native to the humid tropics. The plant fibers contain a higher proportion of lignin, which gives it a rough touch.
- Hemp: Obtained from the bark of the plant’s stems.
Animal Materials
Notable animal materials include:
- Wool: Obtained from various animals, especially sheep. Sheep’s wool is very light and elastic and provides important insulation.
- Silk: Produced by the silkworm. Its fibers are very thin and very long. With a bright appearance and soft touch, the fabric tends to degrade easily due to direct sunlight and heat.
- Leather: Formed by collagen fibers in the skin of some animals. It is a durable material that, depending on the tanning process, may have more or less strength and rigidity.