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Classification of Engineering Materials

The document classifies engineering materials into two main categories: metals and non-metals. Metals are further divided into ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Non-metals include plastics and rubbers. The document also compares key properties of metals and non-metals.

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18 views3 pages

Classification of Engineering Materials

The document classifies engineering materials into two main categories: metals and non-metals. Metals are further divided into ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Non-metals include plastics and rubbers. The document also compares key properties of metals and non-metals.

Uploaded by

Rose
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Classification of Engineering Materials

Basic Classification of Engineering Materials


Basically Engineering Materials Can be classified into two categories-

1. Metals
2. Non-Metals

Metals

Metals are polycrystalline bodies which are having number of differentially


oriented fine crystals. Normally major metals are in solid states at normal
temperature. However, some metals such as mercury are also in liquid state
at normal temperature. All metals are having high thermal and electrical
conductivity. All metals are having positive temperature coefficient of
resistance. Means resistance of metals increase with increase of temperature.
Examples of metals – Silver, Copper, Gold, Aluminum, Iron, Zinc, Lead, Tin
etc.
Metals can be further divided into two groups-

1. Ferrous Metals –
All ferrous metals are having iron as
common element. All ferrous
materials are having very high
permeability which makes these
materials suitable for construction of
core of electrical machines.
Examples: Cast Iron, Wrought Iron,
Steel, Silicon Steel, High Speed
Steel, Spring Steel etc.
2. Non-Ferrous Metals -
All non-ferrous metals are having
very low permeability. Example:
Silver, Copper, Gold, Aluminum etc.

Non-Metals

Non-Metal materials are non-crystalline in nature. These exists in amorphic or


mesomorphic forms. These are in both solid & gases forms at normal
temperature.
Normally all non-metals are bad conductor of heat and electricity.
Examples: Plastics, Rubber, Leathers, Asbestos etc.
As these non-metals are having very high resistivity which makes them
suitable for insulation purpose in electrical machines.

Difference between Metals and Non Metals

Sl.
Property Metals Non-Metals
No.

All metals are having crystalline All Non-metals are having amorphic &
1. Structure
structure mesomorphic structure

State varies material to material. Some


Generally metals are slid normal
2. State are gas state and some are in solid
temperature
state at normal temperature.

Valance electrons are free to Valence electrons are tightly bound


Valance
move with in metals which with nucleus which are not free to
3. electrons and
makes them good conductor of move. This makes them bad conductor
conductivity
heat & electricity of heat & electricity

4. Density High density Low density

5. Strength High strength Low strength

6. Hardness Generally hard Hardness is generally varies

7. Malleability Malleable Non malleable

8. Ductility Ductile Non ductile

9. Brittleness Generally non brittle in nature Brittleness varies material to material

Generally do not possess metallic


10. Lustre Metals possess metallic lustre
lustre (Except graphite & iodine)

Other classification of engineering materials:


Engineering materials can also be classified as below-

1. Metals and Alloys


2. Ceramic Materials
3. Organic Materials

Metals and Alloys

Metals are polycrystalline bodies which are have number of differentially


oriented fine crystals. Normally major metals are in solid states at normal
temperature. However, some metals such as mercury are also in liquid state
at normal temperature.
Pure metals are having very low mechanical strength, which sometimes does
not match with the mechanical strength required for certain applications. To
overcome this draw back alloys are used.
Alloys are the composition of two or more metals or metal and non-metals
together. Alloys are having good mechanical strength, low temperature
coefficient of resistance.
Example: Steels, Brass, Bronze, Gunmetal, Invar. Super Alloys etc.

Ceramic Materials

Ceramic materials are non-metallic solids. These are made of inorganic


compounds such as Oxides, Nitrides, Silicides and Carbides. Ceramic
materials possess exceptional Structural, Electrical, Magnetic, Chemical and
Thermal properties. These ceramic materials are now extensively used in
different engineering fields.
Examples: Silica, glass, cement, concrete, garnet, Mgo, Cds, Zno, SiC etc.

Organic Materials

All organic material are having carbon as a common element. In organic


materials carbon is chemically combined with oxygen, hydrogen and other
non-metallic substances. Generally organic materials are having complex
chemical bonding.
Example: Plastics, PVC, Synthetic Rubbers etc.

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