Overview

There are large differences among the testing methods, significance, interpretation and usage of the properties, processing methods, and applications of materials manufactured by different industries. There is not a single material that is suitable for use for all applications. Each new property developed for each material opens the doors for new applications, technologies, and innovations that will improve the efficiency and quality of life of the end users.

Product designers cannot expect equivalent properties for the families of materials (steels, thermoplastics, aluminum alloys, rubber), because each material family has unique properties developed for specific applications and market needs. In addition, these materials are processed using different manufacturing processes and quality control methods. All materials have advantages and disadvantages (properties, processes, and quality), making it difficult to compare the cost of finished products made of different materials and by different processes.

The selection of materials is directly related to the end-use applications, whether or not one material's performance is better than another. To illustrate this point, a thermoplastic material cannot replace a structural steel beam used in building construction. The thermoplastic resins do not have the required mechanical strength, creep resistance, or sufficient melt flow to be extruded into thick walled shapes. The thermoplastic beams would be expected to warp under the load of a building structure. However, structural beams can be made of thermoset composite plastics, although these composite materials are costlier than metals. In less demanding applications in the housing industry, wood composite structural beams are replacing steel...