Why is it important to study metals?

We need to be aware of the key role that metallic materials have in multiple products that we use daily and in all the paths that each of them made from the raw material to the products that we buy and use. For instance, consider your washing machine: it contains numerous metallic components, including steel, aluminium, and copper, each selected for their unique properties.

But the influence of metal extends far beyond the appliance itself. Think about the machines that manufacture those components—each of them relies on various metallic parts. Now, consider the vehicles that transport the washing machine to your city. Trucks, and ships equipped with suitable and essential metallic components. Finally, reflect on your own car, which carries the washing machine home. It relies on durable metals to ensure safety and efficiency.

This interconnected web of metal usage stresses the importance of understanding the properties and behaviour of metallic materials for optimising their use in our daily lives. Moreover, as we face challenges related to sustainability, it is vital to consider the environmental impact of mining, manufacturing, and recycling these materials.

Unsure about what is a metallic material?

Metallic materials are homogeneous mixtures of two or more chemical elements, where at least one must be a metal element. These materials have a crystalline structure, which contributes to their unique physical properties such as high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and strength.

What we are most likely to encounter in our daily lives are metallic alloys, rather than pure metals. For example, a metal that surrounds us and can be found in numerous places in our every day is steel, an iron alloy with carbon and many other elements that confer excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance to iron.

Where is the study of metals most important?

Design of new products with better performance and durability

Research in materials science enables the development of new materials with enhanced properties. The new materials can be stronger, lighter, more environmentally friendly, and more cost-effective. In industry, the research of new materials is used to select the right materials and optimise the product features to enhance their performance and durability.

Development of new technologies

The research of metallic materials is fundamental in the development of new technologies that require high-standard materials. In particular, metals usually are required to have excellent mechanical properties, conductivities and corrosion resistance. Likewise, the development of new materials promotes the research of new technologies.

Avoid accidents

Throughout history, large-scale accidents have occurred that could have been avoided with a more comprehensive understanding of the metallic materials used and how their properties change under different scenarios. The study of materials also helps improve the quality and safety of products. It is fundamental to identify material defects and detect potential problems before accidents or failures occur.

Environmental protection

Every single product that we have around (a pen, a table, a bed, toothpaste, clothes, etc.) has an impact on the environment, due to their production, use and disposal environmental costs. But if we choose the more suitable material for each of them and research the material to optimise their design and production, we can reduce considerably their contribution to the environmental damage.

The study of metallic materials develops more sustainable materials and reduces the environmental impact of production and product use. For example, the research on lighter metallic materials contributes to reducing the impact of vehicle consumption by substituting their heavier parts with lighter options that ensure similar performance. Other strategies focus on ensuring low CO2 fingerprint associated with the raw materials extraction and production, and increasing the scrap content in the metallic alloys while ensuring the maintenance of capabilities.

Energy efficiency and cost savings

The study of materials can not only lead to improved product performance and efficiency but also to optimal manufacturing processes that lower production costs. For example, in situ evaluation techniques save considerable amounts of time and money as the production doesn't need to stop for sampling extraction.