Structure of Materials: Ceramics and Polymers

This lecture covers the structure of ceramics, including the coordination of atoms, ionic ratios, and crystal symmetry. It also delves into the wave-particle duality of electrons and photons, interference patterns, and diffraction in crystals. The discussion extends to amorphous materials, metallic glasses, and the transition from ceramics to organic materials like cellulose and lignin. The properties and classifications of polymers, such as thermoplastics and elastomers, are explored, along with the concept of polymerization and cross-linking. The lecture concludes with a comparison of recyclable thermoplastics and non-recyclable amorphous polymers.