Materijala

Materijala is the word for materials in several South Slavic languages. In engineering and science, materials are substances used to create objects and structures. The study of materijala covers composition, structure, properties, processing, and performance.

Common material classes include metals (steel, aluminum), polymers (plastics, resins), ceramics (glass, concrete, porcelains), and composites (fiber-reinforced plastics, metal-matrix composites). Additional groups include biomaterials used in medicine and nanomaterials with nanoscale features.

Material properties describe how a substance behaves under conditions. Key properties include mechanical (strength, hardness, ductility), thermal (conductivity, expansion), electrical and magnetic, optical, chemical stability, and corrosion resistance. Properties depend on composition and microstructure and can be altered by processing.

Processing and manufacturing transform raw materials into usable products. Techniques include extraction and refinement, casting, forming, joining, machining, and additive manufacturing. Processing history influences final performance through changes in grain size, phase distribution, and defects.

Testing and standards verify material performance. Destructive and non-destructive tests assess strength, toughness, fatigue, fracture, and durability. Standards from organizations such as ISO and ASTM guide material selection, testing methods, and quality control.

Applications span construction, transportation, electronics, energy, and healthcare. Sustainability concerns drive recycling, reclamation, and life-cycle assessment to reduce environmental impact and support a circular economy.