Discuss how materials science has advanced to the stage where materials can be engineered to fit a specific purpose.
Discuss scientific and technical concepts related to materials science. Use the manufacturing of one of the following materials as the basis for your response:
I choose plastics manufactures reuse plastic containers on a daily basis, the city also provie containers for the plastic and other goods that can be reused. Muller, Mark K; Majerus, John N. Polymer Engineering and Science; Newtown Vol. 42, Iss. 7, (Jul 2002): 1580.
States that plastic bottles can help with roadside collisions. And analysis-of-- variance was used to identify the most significant factors in energy absorption, or the impact that if the bottles are filled with a substance then the impact would help with roadside collusions. The study was that commercially available plastic bottles, when filled with the appropriate filler materials, are capable of absorbing significant amounts of crush energy. This test is used to provide information that can keep a car from colliding into a guard rail, light poles, block –outs. The study suggests that the plastic bottles are found in land fields, lakes and mostly on the side of the roads and everywhere else. The plastic bottles can be used to help with car safety issues.
Discuss how materials science has advanced to the stage where materials can be engineered to fit a specific purpose. When addressing the issues of plastic that can be reused in road blocks, or used for guard rails or roadside collusions can possible save a person’s life, with the bottles filled with soft material when having a wreck or sliding and hitting a guard rail.
Provide an example of an application or object that is made of materials specifically engineered for that purpose.
Materials science is a multidisciplinary field that involves the study of the properties, structure, and performance of various materials. Over the years, this field has evolved and reached a stage where materials can be engineered to fit specific purposes. This ability to tailor materials to particular applications has been achieved through advances in several key areas.
1. Understanding Material Structure: The first step in engineering materials for specific purposes is to understand their structure at different scales, from atomic to macroscopic levels. This involves researching the arrangement of atoms, crystal structures, defects, and the behavior of materials under different conditions. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy enable scientists to examine materials at a detailed level.
2. Materials Characterization: To engineer materials, it is crucial to have accurate information about their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. Advanced characterization techniques allow scientists to measure and analyze these properties, including strength, hardness, conductivity, and corrosion resistance. This information is then used to guide the design and selection of materials for specific applications.
3. Computer Modeling and Simulation: With the advent of powerful computers, materials scientists can simulate the behavior of materials under various conditions and study their properties without needing to conduct extensive experimental testing. Computational modeling enables the prediction of a material's performance, which helps in designing materials with desired properties. These models are continually refined and validated through experimental data, leading to more accurate simulations.
4. Nanotechnology: The field of nanotechnology has had a significant impact on materials engineering. By manipulating materials at the nanoscale (at dimensions typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers), scientists have gained unprecedented control over material properties. Nanotechnology has led to the development of materials with unique characteristics, such as enhanced strength, improved electrical conductivity, and high surface area to volume ratios. These tailored materials have found applications in areas such as electronics, energy storage, and medicine.
5. Material Synthesis and Processing: Engineering materials for specific purposes often requires the development of new synthesis techniques and processing methods. Scientists have discovered innovative ways to produce materials with desired structures, compositions, and properties. These techniques include methods like chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel processing, and additive manufacturing (3D printing). By precisely controlling the synthesis and processing conditions, scientists can create materials with customized properties.
6. Biomimicry: Nature has provided inspiration for materials scientists as they seek to engineer materials with specific functions. Through biomimicry, scientists examine biological structures and processes to derive design principles for materials. For example, the structure of seashells has inspired the development of lightweight yet strong materials. Biomimicry has also led to the creation of self-cleaning surfaces, adhesive materials, and flexible electronics.
7. Iterative Design and Testing: To achieve materials with specific properties, an iterative process of design, fabrication, and testing is followed. Scientists design materials based on theoretical models and simulations, fabricate them using suitable techniques, and then evaluate their performance in real-world conditions. The feedback obtained from testing is used to refine the design and repeat the cycle, resulting in materials that continuously improve and meet the desired specifications.
In conclusion, materials science has advanced significantly, allowing for the engineering of materials to fit specific purposes. This progress has been made possible by improved understanding of material structure, advanced characterization techniques, computer modeling, nanotechnology, innovative synthesis and processing methods, biomimicry, and iterative design and testing. These advancements continue to expand the possibilities for creating materials with tailored properties, enabling advancements in various industries and technologies.