The other seven modules cover ceramics, metals, polymers, semiconductors, composites, concrete and energy. This module is intended to give a brief introduction to Materials Science and technology as well as an idea of what each module covers. Introduction A brief definition, description of properties, uses and production techniques are given in this section. Metals Metals are metallically bonded compounds made from most of the elements on the periodic table. Metals can be either monatomic such as copper, or an alloy such as steel.
Metals are ductile, malleable, electrically conductive and thermally conductive.
All of these properties come from the way metallic atoms bond together. Metals are used for structures, electrical wires, locks, coins, and many more items. Metals can easily be bent, machined, cast or extruded into shape. The widespread use of Metals is in large part due to this ease of manufacturing. Ceramics are brittle, strong and non-conducting materials.