CES Information Guide - Materials Science Engineering

M A T E R I A L S C I E N C E & E N G I N E E R I N G

Background
Material Classes

Material Structure

Physical Properties

Material Selection

Ideal Material

Process

Material Processing

Example Case Studies

The Ideal Material

A Materials Engineer searches for the ideal materials to suit a designated need. What are ideal materials? An example of an ideal material could have the following characteristics:

Endless supply and close available source
Cheap to produce
Energy efficient
Appropriately strong, stiff, and temperature stable
Lightweight
Corrosion resistant
Produces no harmful effects (for environment or people)
Biodegradable or completely recyclable

It can be a difficult and complex process to find the ideal material for a specific product or application. This process is called the material selection.