Glossary

Deutsch: Material
Material is anything which consists of one or more substances which are intentionally used to form another material or final product.

Examples for material are

• Air,
• water,
• sand, cement
• wood, nails, screws, glue

So dust, pollution which is also added unintentionally to most products is not a material.

The definition can vary by the intended use.

For example: For nail-makers the nails are their products, while for a furniture maker the nails are material.

In the industrial context, "material" refers to any substance or combination of substances that are used to create a product or structure. Materials can range from naturally occurring substances like wood and stone to synthetic substances like plastics and metals. The choice of materials used in a particular application depends on a number of factors including cost, availability, durability, strength, and aesthetic considerations.

Examples of materials used in various industrial applications include:

1. Metals: Metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, and titanium are commonly used in the construction of buildings, vehicles, and industrial equipment.

2. Polymers: Polymers like plastics and rubber are used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, automotive components, medical devices, and consumer goods.

3. Ceramics: Ceramics like glass and porcelain are used in a variety of applications including construction materials, cookware, and electronic components.

4. Composites: Composites are materials made up of two or more components with different properties that are combined to create a material with superior properties. Examples of composites include fiberglass, carbon fiber, and reinforced concrete.

Other similar terms related to materials in the industrial context include:

1. Raw Materials: Raw materials are materials that have not yet been processed or transformed into a finished product. Examples of raw materials include minerals, ores, and natural resources like wood and water.

2. Intermediate Materials: Intermediate materials are materials that have undergone some processing but are not yet finished products. Examples of intermediate materials include steel billets and plastic pellets.

3. Advanced Materials: Advanced materials are materials that have been engineered at the molecular or nanoscale level to possess unique properties. Examples of advanced materials include graphene, carbon nanotubes, and smart materials.

4. Sustainable Materials: Sustainable materials are materials that are produced in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment and can be reused or recycled at the end of their useful life. Examples of sustainable materials include bamboo, recycled plastics, and biodegradable materials.