Material Categories, Bonding and Structures

Engineering Studies – P1 Fundamental Engineering  –  Materials and Manufacturing

This topic introduces material structures and atomic bonding categories. Significant terms that are used to describe structures and bonding are key concepts in this topic.

Key Concepts

• Understanding the classification of materials
• The bonding in materials
• The structures formed in materials

Discussion Questions

Classification

1. Why do engineers classify materials?
2. Discuss the typical properties of each category
3. Classify materials based on bonding, structure, and properties.
4. Describe materials based on atomic structure, properties, state, elements, compounds, or alloy.
5. Associate engineering properties of materials with a typical category of material.
6. Define the term amorphous.
7. Define the term crystalline.

Bonding and Structure

1. Discuss the structure of the atom.
2. Describe the primary bonds- ionic, covalent and metallic bonds.
3. What are Van der Waal forces?
4. Describe bonds in ceramic materials and the effect on properties.
5. Describe bonds in polymer materials and the effect on properties.
6. Describe bonds in metallic materials and the effect on properties.
7. Describe the formation of metallic structures during the heating/cooling process – nucleation, dendritic growth of crystals, solidification and grain formation.
8. What material properties can be analysed through macro and microstructures?
9. Describe crystalline structures BCC, FCC, and HCP in metals.