What is the difference between a metal alloy and a composite material?
A metal alloy is a material made by combining two or more metals, or a metal and another element, to enhance its properties. A composite material consists of two or more distinct substances, typically a reinforcing material and a matrix, to achieve superior properties not present in the individual components.
What are the main properties that materials scientists look for in a material?
Materials scientists typically look for properties such as mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ductility.
How do nanomaterials differ from bulk materials in terms of properties and applications?
Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties such as higher strength, increased reactivity, and altered electrical, optical, or magnetic behaviour compared to bulk materials. These differences arise due to the increased surface area to volume ratio and quantum effects at the nanoscale. Consequently, nanomaterials are utilised in diverse applications including medicine, electronics, and environmental protection.
What are the methods used to test the mechanical properties of materials?
Methods to test the mechanical properties of materials include tensile testing, compression testing, hardness testing, impact testing, and fatigue testing.
What is the role of crystallography in materials science?
Crystallography helps determine the atomic and molecular structure of materials, revealing the arrangement of atoms within the crystal lattice. This understanding is crucial for predicting material properties, developing new materials, and improving existing ones by analysing defects, phase transitions, and mechanical behaviour.