Classification of Materials

Question 1

What are the main four groups of materials?

Answer 1

Metals
Ceramics
Polymers
Composites

Question 2

What are some characteristics of metals?

Answer 2

Hard
Strong
Able to plastically deform
Stiff
Easy to machine/form

Question 3

What are ferrous metals?

Answer 3

Metals containing iron

Question 4

What is an alloy?

Answer 4

A chemically-combined mixture of a metal with either another metal or non-metal

Question 5

What are some characteristics of polymers?

Answer 5

Lightweight
Good electrical insulation
Corrosion resistant
Low stiffness
Easy to form

Question 6

What are the two types of polymer?

Answer 6

Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics

Question 7

What are characteristics of ceramics?

Answer 7

Hard
Strong
Excellent heat resistance
Corrosion resistant
Brittle

Question 8

What are the two types of ceramics?

Answer 8

crystalline (porcelain) and non-crystalline (glass)

Question 9

What are some types of composite materials?

Answer 9

Glassfibre reinforced plastic (GRP)
Plywood
Concrete