Changes in Materials Evolution

Abstract

The objectives of this chapter are twofold. First, it presents the evidence supporting the argument that a revolution in materials has taken place during the last two decades. The following three sections focus on the changes that caused a discontinuity in their evolution. For example, section 3.2 analyses the recent trend in patterns of materials usage during the 1970s and 1980s, contrasting the break in the trend of production and consumption of major bulk materials, especially metals, with the rise of new materials. Section 3.3 then examines the recent increase (i) in the number of alternative materials available in the market; (ii) in the variety of functions displayed by these materials; and (iii) in their range of applications. Section 3.4 discusses the importance of the improvements in the properties offered by the new substances and processes developed during the recent years, compared to earlier materials and productive processes.