In condensed matter physics and materials science, an amorphous (from the Greek a, "without", and morphé, "shape,, form") or non-crystalline solid is a solid that lacks the long-range order, which is a characteristic of a crystal. In some older articles and books,, the term was used synonymously with glass.
In the industrial or industry context, "amorphous" typically refers to a material that lacks a crystalline structure, meaning it has no long-range order in its molecular arrangement. Here are some examples of amorphous materials used in industry:
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Amorphous silicon: This is a material used in the production of solar panels. It is a non-crystalline form of silicon that can be deposited on a substrate to create a thin film that can generate electricity.
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Amorphous metals: Also known as metallic glasses, these are alloys that have a disordered atomic structure, which gives them unique properties such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and magnetic susceptibility. They are used in various applications such as aerospace, electronics, and medical devices.
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Amorphous polymers: These are polymers that lack a crystalline structure, making them transparent and flexible. They are used in a variety of industrial applications such as packaging, adhesives, and coatings.
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Amorphous carbon: This is a form of carbon that lacks a crystalline structure and is used in the production of products such as electrodes, semiconductors, and lubricants.
Here are some similar things to amorphous materials in the industrial context:
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Crystalline materials: These are materials that have a well-defined atomic structure with a repeating pattern, such as metals, minerals, and semiconductors. They are used in many industrial applications, such as construction, electronics, and automotive manufacturing.
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Polycrystalline materials: These are materials that have multiple crystals or grains with different orientations, giving them a grainy appearance. They are used in various applications such as ceramics, metals, and semiconductors.
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Semi-crystalline polymers: These are polymers that have both amorphous and crystalline regions in their structure. They are used in various industrial applications such as packaging, textiles, and medical devices.
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Liquid crystals: These are materials that have both liquid and crystalline properties, and can be used in various applications such as displays, sensors, and optics.