The mechanical properties of polymers generally include low strength and high toughness. Their strength is often improved using reinforced composite structures. One of the distinct properties of polymers is that they are poor conductors of electricity and heat, which makes them good insulators. Polymers Ceramics A ceramic is often broadly defined as any inorganic nonmetallic material. Some of the useful properties of ceramics and glasses include high melting temperature, low density, high strength, stiffness, hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Many ceramics are good electrical and thermal insulators.
Glasses A glass is an inorganic nonmetallic material that does not have a crystalline structure. Such materials are said to be amorphous. Examples of glasses range from the soda-lime silicate glass in soda bottles to the extremely high purity silica glass in optical fibers. Ceramics Composites Composites are formed from two or more types of materials. Composites are used because overall properties of the composites are superior to those of the individual components.