John Philamer Serano Materials Engineering – EN92

BSME-5

Modern Items / Devices Materials

Silicon - is, by far, the most

common semiconductor
material used in solar cells,
representing approximately
95% of the modules sold
Solar Cells
today. It is also the second
most abundant material on
Earth after oxygen and the
most common semiconductor
used in computer chips.
Bullet-resistant vests,
otherwise known as
'body armor' are typically used
for protective purposes in
modern day law enforcement,
Military Body Armor security, and military. Ceramic
materials, such as silicon
carbide (SiC), are considered
to be ideal for stopping rifle
bullets due to their impressive
strength and hardiness.
Cell Phone Batteries Lithium-ion – it is consisting of
Cathode materials which show
a high stability in the high-
voltage range but cobalt has
limited availability in nature
and is toxic. Anode materials
are lithium, graphite, lithium-
alloying materials,
intermetallic, or silicon.
Lithium seems to be the most
straight forward material but
shows problems with cycling
behavior and dendritic
growth, which creates short
circuits. Electrolytes which are
A safe and long-lasting battery
needs a robust electrolyte
that can withstand existing
 voltage and high
temperatures and that has a
long shelf life while offering a
high mobility for lithium ions.
Lastly the separators, the
battery separator separates
the two electrodes physically
from each other, thus
avoiding a short circuit.

Aside from cast iron, modern

engine blocks are now using
aluminum alloy. The
Automobile Engine Block aluminum block is much
lighter in weight, and has
better heat transfer to the
coolant.

Wind turbine blades is

consisting of resins of glass
fiber reinforced polyester,
glass fiber reinforced epoxy,
and carbon fiber reinforced
epoxy. Combining glass fibers
with a resin matrix results in
Wind Turbine Blades composites that are strong,
lightweight, corrosion-
resistant, and dimensionally
stable. They also provide good
design flexibility and high-
dielectric strength, and
typically require lower
manufacturing costs