MMEE 210

Materials Science
 Introduction

Module Name: Materials Science

Module Code: MMEE 210

Level: 200

Credit: 3

Module Type: Core

Program: Faculty–wide Module

Introduction to Materials Science
 Introduction: Definitions
 Materials Science (MS) – is the study of the properties of solid
materials and how those properties are determined by a material's
composition and structure.
 Developing a deeper understanding of the structure–
composition–property–synthesis–processing relationship.
 Structure – description of the arrangement of atoms as seen
at different levels of details.
 Composition – chemical make up of a material.
 Property – material trait dealing with type and amount of
response to an imposed stimulus.
 Synthesis – how material is made from naturally occurring
or man-made chemicals.
 Processing – manufacturing processes related to the
production of component.
 Investigate relationships between structures and properties of
materials
 Design/develop new materials.
 Introduction: Definitions

 Materials engineering (ME) – involves the designing or

production of engineering materials with
predetermined set of properties, based on the
knowledge of Materials science.
 Create products from existing materials.
 Develop materials processing techniques.

 Materials science and engineering (MSE) – is an

interdisciplinary field concerned with inventing new
materials and improve previously existing materials to
soothe different applications to various areas of science
and engineering.
 Common Question Asked in MSE

 What are the relationship(s) between the structure (of

e.g. a polymer) and their electrical properties?

 How can devices be made using alternative materials?

 Will these devices be compatible with existing

technology or will they require a new technology of
their own?

 How robust (strong) are these devices?

 How will the performance and cost of these devices

compare with traditional devices?
 MSE: Components & Relationship

The Old Tetrahedron The New Tetrahedron

The processing determines the structure, which in

turn determine the properties and the performance
depends on the properties of the material
Materials and Engineering Materials: Definition

 What are materials?

Substances of which something is
composed or made of.

 What are engineering materials?

The starting solid substances used to make
or produce useful products and structures.
 Why Are Materials Important?
 Materials drive civilization – improvement and advancement
in societies.
 Materials Age:
What is Today’s Material Age?

 Silicon (electronic materials)?

 Nanomaterials?
 Polymer?
 Metamaterials?
 Or what others, if any?
 Why should Engineers Understand
Materials?

 Products/devices/components that engineers

design are all made of materials.

 To select appropriate materials and processing

techniques for specific applications.
 Materials: Classifications
There are several of these classification, however, we will look
at three of which are based on:

 Chemical makeup
 Metals, Polymers, Ceramics.
 Composites?

 Application/functionality
 Aerospace, Biomedical, Electronic materials e.g.
semiconductors, Energy technology and Environmental
technology, Magnetic, Optical, Smart Materials e.g. SMA,
structural materials, etc.

 Structures
 Crystalline, non-crystalline or amorphous, single crystal
and polycrystalline.
 Materials: Property Types
Properties of materials fall into different categories such as:

 Chemical – relates to material's structure, its formation, and reactivity

with chemicals. Usually measured in a chemical laboratory.
 Physical – pertains to the interaction of materials with various forms
of energy and human senses. Can be measured without destroying or
changing a material.
 Mechanical – associated to a material’s response to an applied force.
Often requires damage or destruction to a material. They usually
relate to elastic or plastic behavior.
 Electrical – response to electrical signals.
 Thermal – relates to material response on application of heat energy.
 Magnetic – to the response of a material to an applied magnetic field.
 Optical – define how a material interacts with light.
 Deteriorative/environmental – relates to the state of interaction of a
material with the environment during service.
 Procurement/manufacturing consideration?
Materials: Properties Spectrum
Ask that burning question now!
… Let us call it a day from here!