Materialteknikk

Materialteknikk is the field of engineering and science that studies the relationships between the structure, processing, properties, and performance of materials. It covers metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and emerging functional materials. The aim is to design, select, and process materials to meet requirements for strength, durability, weight, temperature stability, and cost, across various industries. The field sits at the junction of materials science and materials engineering, combining fundamental understanding with practical design and production considerations.

Key activities include characterization, processing, testing, and failure analysis. Characterization uses microscopy, spectroscopy, diffraction, and surface techniques; testing covers mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties; processing includes manufacturing routes and post-treatment. Modeling and simulation support material selection and reliability assessment, and life‑cycle considerations address sustainability and recyclability.

Subfields include metallurgy, polymer science, ceramic engineering, composites, biomaterials, and nanomaterials, with specialties in corrosion, surface engineering, and materials informatics. Applications span automotive, aerospace, construction, electronics, energy, and healthcare. Current trends emphasize lightweighting, energy efficiency, additive manufacturing, smart materials, and sustainable materials design.

Education: bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs prepare professionals to specify materials, optimize processes, and ensure performance and safety. The term materialteknikk is common in Norwegian contexts; internationally, the field is often called materials science and engineering.