What makes a material useful?

From stone and bronze to steel and concrete, materials are useful for a particular purpose because they behave in a certain way under certain conditions: they have particular qualities, which we call their properties. Understanding these properties is what materials science is all about.

What are examples of smart materials?

Smart materials

• Thermochromic pigments. Thermochromic pigments change colour at specific temperatures.
• Photochromic pigments. Photochromic pigments change colour when exposed to light.
• Shape memory polymer.
• Shape memory alloy.

  Is polypropylene a PP?

  Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic “addition polymer” made from the combination of propylene monomers. It is used in a variety of applications to include packaging for consumer products, plastic parts for various industries including the automotive industry, special devices like living hinges, and textiles.

  What are the types of materials?

  Traditionally the three major classes of materials are metals, polymers, and ceramics. Examples of these are steel, cloth, and pottery. These classes usually have quite different sources, characteristics, and applications.

  What are the examples of useful materials?

  Useful materials