Materials Science: Structure, Properties, and Classification
Introduction to Materials Science
Introduction
Materials Science examines how materials are formed and their properties. Its objective is to provide criteria for selecting the most appropriate materials for engineering applications.
Materials are substances that make up everything. Since the beginning of civilization, materials and energy have been used to improve living standards. The production and processing of new materials are fundamental to our economy. Engineers continually seek materials resistant
Read MorePaint Composition, Types, Application, and Defect Analysis
Paintings
Definition: A fluid or fluidized material able to transform into a solid, opaque film, tenaciously adhered to the substrate on which it is applied, providing the color of the pigment in its composition.
All paintings share the characteristic of being applied in liquid form and becoming solid, continuous films once dried.
Components:
- Vehicle = solvent + binder
- Color Pigment
- Loads = additives
Component Properties: Resistance to the medium, adhesion to the substrate, chemical neutrality, color stability,
Read MoreMatter, Atoms, Molecules, Ions, Substances, Mixtures, and Energy
Matter
Matter is anything that occupies space, has mass, and is subject to measurable changes over time and interactions with measuring devices. In physics and philosophy, matter constitutes objective material reality, perceivable identically by different subjects. It includes all objects visible or detectable by physical means.
The term also refers to the subject of literary, scientific, or political works. This leads to the “matter-form” opposition, where the same content or subject can be treated
Read MoreColloids: Properties, Types, and Applications in Industry
Colloids: Systems with Dispersed Particles (1-100 nm)
Colloids represent an intermediate state between solutions and suspensions. They consist of a dispersed phase (like micelles) within a dispersant medium. Key characteristics include particle size, coating type, interface properties, settling behavior, and separation methods.
Comparison of Dispersions
- Solutions (<1 nm): Homogeneous, no settling, not separable by filtration.
- Colloids (1-100 nm): Heterogeneous, high surface area, no settling, not
Evolution of Atomic Models: From Dalton to Quantum Mechanics
Dalton’s Atomic Model
In 1808, Dalton formulated his atomic theory, which broke with traditional ideas (Democritus, Leucippus). It introduces the concept of the discontinuity of matter, being the first scientific theory to consider that matter is divided into atoms. The basic postulates of this theory are:
- Matter is divided into particles called atoms, which are indivisible and unchangeable.
- Atoms are very small particles and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
- All atoms of the same element are equal
Chemical Bonding: Ionic, Covalent, and Metallic Properties
Ionic Bonds
An ionic bond unites ions with opposite charges through electrostatic attraction. Lattice energy, released during ionic bond formation from gaseous ions, determines the bond’s stability. Higher lattice energy indicates stronger attraction and a more stable ionic network.
Properties of Ionic Compounds
- Solids at room temperature, forming crystal lattices.
- High melting and boiling points due to strong electrostatic forces.
- Hard and brittle due to low compressibility.
- Soluble in polar solvents