Introduction to Materials Science

This lecture introduces the science of materials, covering the history of materials from atoms, technological developments, and material classification. It explores inorganic materials, polymers, metals, ceramics, and their properties. The lecture discusses the impact of materials on the environment, constraints, and functionality, emphasizing the importance of materials choice and comparison. It also delves into the development of materials in various industries, such as automotive and microtechnology, highlighting the role of silicon. The scarcity of certain materials on Earth, consumption, and recycling are also addressed, along with the main concepts of materials science and the significance of mechanical and functional properties for engineers.