Deutsch: Sprödigkeit / Español: Fragilidad / Français: Fragilité / Italiano: Fragilità
A material is brittle if, when subjected to stress, it breaks without significant deformation (strain). Brittle materials absorb relatively little energy prior to fracture, even those of high strength. Breaking is often accompanied by a snapping sound. Brittle materials include most ceramics and glasses (which do not deform plastically) and some polymers, such as PMMA and polystyrene. Many steels become brittle at low temperatures (see ductile-brittle transition temperature), depending on their composition and processing.
In the industrial and industry context, "brittle" refers to materials or substances that have low resistance to breaking or cracking under stress or strain, lacking the ability to bend or deform. Brittle materials tend to fracture suddenly and easily, which can result in significant damage to products or equipment, or even injury to personnel.
Examples of brittle materials used in industry include:
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Glass: Glass is a brittle material that is used in applications such as window panes, mirrors, and optics.
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Ceramics: Ceramics are brittle materials that are used in applications such as electrical insulators, cutting tools, and abrasives.
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Cast iron: Cast iron is a brittle material that is used in applications such as pipes, valves, and machinery components.
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Concrete: Concrete is a brittle material that is used in construction for building foundations, bridges, and other structures.
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Composites: Some composites, such as glass-reinforced plastics, can be brittle and are used in applications such as boat hulls, pipes, and aerospace components.
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Metals: Some metals, such as aluminum and magnesium, can become brittle at low temperatures and are used in applications such as electrical conductors and structural components.
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Stone: Stone is a brittle material that is used in applications such as building materials, sculptures, and monuments.
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Ice: Ice is a brittle material that is used in applications such as refrigeration, food preservation, and recreation.