Materjali

Materjali (Finnish: material) is a concept referring to substances used to manufacture or construct goods, ranging from raw natural substances to engineered polymers and composites. The term is used in Finnish-language contexts and appears in industries such as engineering, construction, and design. In general, a material is any substance with a defined composition and structure that can perform under specific conditions. Materials science studies the relationship between composition, microstructure, properties, and performance of materials, often guiding design choices.

Materials are commonly classified by composition into metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites; by origin into natural and synthetic; and by function into structural, functional, and decorative.

Properties and testing: Materials are characterized by mechanical properties (strength, stiffness, ductility, hardness), thermal properties (conductivity, thermal expansion), electrical properties, density, porosity, chemical resistance, and durability. Standard tests measure tensile strength, hardness, impact resistance, and fatigue.

Processing and microstructure: The processing history—casting, forming, additive manufacturing, welding, heat treatment—shapes the microstructure and hence properties. Processing routes influence grain size, phase distribution, and residual stresses.

Applications and selection: Design requires balancing performance, weight, cost, manufacturability, and sustainability. Material selection relies on data sheets, standards, and life-cycle considerations.

Sustainability: Recycling, end-of-life management, and circular economy principles guide material choices and decommissioning.

See also: Materials science, Metallurgy, Polymer science, Composite material.