What is Material Science?
The design and discovery of new elements particularly solids are covered in the field of material science. Elements are modified on a molecular level to develop advanced materials with enhanced physical and chemical properties. The field encompasses elements of physics, chemistry as well as engineering. The field gained recognition in the 1940s when educational institutions dedicated schools for its study.
Material science emphasizes the change in structural characteristics of a substance and its impact on the overall product’s physical and chemical properties. The science of studying material structure properties is known as the materials paradigm. This phenomenon is used in advanced research associated with fields like nanotechnology, biomaterials, and metallurgy.
What is Material Science in Engineering?
The process of developing new material from existing components that are a part of the ecosystem is known as material science in engineering. The technology is used extensively to develop lightweight materials like composites and ceramics. The value chain of this sector ranges from basic B2C applications like the fabrication of kitchenware to high-end B2B industries like the aerospace and defense sector. The grades of material used vary with the application of the product.
The Global Materials Cycle accounts for an integral part of material science in engineering. The terminology suggests the processing of raw materials available from the earth to produce valuable products. Once the useful life of the product diminishes, the product is returned to nature to complete the cycle. The material cycle is typically divided into two main segments, i.e. the left hand and the right hand. The left-hand deals with the material supply, i.e. obtaining the raw materials from the environment. While the right-hand studies the material consumption. The cycle encompasses key industrial benefactors like material procurement, material handling, and industrial sustainability. New opportunities, as well as demand and consumption patterns, are constantly explored within this market.
Applications of Material Science in semiconductor
Material Science in semiconductor processing plays an integral role in the field of electronics and electrical engineering. A semiconductor is defined as a material that has value for resistivity which is between metals and non-metals. The properties of semiconductors are varied through the process of doping. Key elements of an electrical circuit such as diodes, transistors, and LEDs can be built out of this material. Material Science in semiconductor processing can be used to develop single electronic components or integrated circuits (ICs). A single semiconductor substrate is used to integrate several semiconductor components while making an IC.
In terms of the commercial value of this vertical, silicon accounts for a major market segment globally. Microcrystalline silicon is used to produce wafers that are used within the semiconductors as well as the electronics industry. Material Science in a semiconductor has also led to the fabrication of products like gallium arsenide. The material has higher electron mobility as well as saturation velocity as compared to silicone. The superior properties of this product call for its application are complex electronic devices such as satellites and mobile phones. They are also used in point-to-point links and high-frequency radar systems.
Material Science in engineering plays an integral role in the energy and power sector as well. This methodology is used for the structure of organic solar cells that can convert solar power to electrical energy. The widespread value chain for this market adds to the research infrastructure for this sector.
Chemical Market Forecast has a team of highly specialized industry experts within this domain. The market overview and the change in dynamics for this sector can be studied via the company’s carefully curated market research reports.
Emerging Material Science Technologies
The product Aerogel is defined as one of the upcoming technologies fabricated via the use of material science engineering. It is defined as a synthetic, porous, and ultra-light material that is derived from a gel. The liquid component within this gel is synthetically replaced with gas through the process of freeze-drying. This process is conducted without disrupting the properties of the gel. The derived solid is known as frozen smoke given its low density and low thermal conductivity.
The US Navy states that the material could be used as passive thermal protection for divers. NASA made use of this substance to trap stardust particles aboard the Stardust spacecraft. NASA also made use of this technology to add a layer of thermal insulation for the Mars Rovers. The insulation properties of this material were also used in the fabrication of spacesuits.
Kevlar is another material that is engineered synthetically. Kevlar is an aramid, i.e. it is composed of heat-resistant fibers. The material is related to materials like Nomex and Technora that are used in aerospace and defense-based applications. The material was created by DuPont in the year 1965. The commercialization of this material commenced in the 1970s with the replacement of steel in racing tires. Typically, Kevlar is spun into fabric sheets or in the form of ropes. The material is then used as a component for the manufacturing of composite materials. Kevlar has a high strength to weight ratio and is five times stronger than steel. Therefore, the material is used for the fabrication of armor which is used to protect personnel during military operations.