Werkstofffamilien

Werkstofffamilien is a German term that translates to "material families" or "material classes." It refers to the systematic classification of materials based on their shared characteristics, properties, and often their underlying atomic or molecular structure. This categorization helps in understanding, selecting, and applying materials across various engineering and scientific disciplines.

The primary distinction within werkstofffamilien is typically between metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Metals are characterized by their metallic bonding, leading to properties like high electrical and thermal conductivity, ductility, and strength. Polymers, on the other hand, are organic compounds with long molecular chains, exhibiting flexibility, low density, and often good electrical insulation. Ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic solids, typically formed by metallic and non-metallic elements bonded together, known for their hardness, high-temperature resistance, and brittleness. Composites are materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties which remain separate and distinct at the macroscopic or microscopic level within the finished structure.

Further subdivisions exist within these broad categories. For example, the metal werkstofffamilien include ferrous metals (iron-based alloys like steel and cast iron) and non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, titanium, and their alloys). Polymer families are divided into thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers, based on their response to heat. Ceramics can be further classified into oxides, carbides, nitrides, and silicates. Understanding these werkstofffamilien allows engineers and designers to make informed decisions about which material is best suited for a specific application, considering factors such as mechanical performance, environmental resistance, cost, and processing requirements.