Brittleness: Definition, Examples, Causes, and Materials

Brittleness is a material property that describes how easily certain materials can be fractured or broken. This property is commonly used to describe ceramics, metals, and polymers as it is an important factor in design and fabrication. Engineers and designers need to understand what brittleness is, the factors that cause it, and the materials that are most susceptible to this phenomenon.

What is Brittleness?

Brittleness is a material property that describes the propensity of a material to fracture or break under stress. A brittle material will break without any significant plastic deformation, and usually at low strain rates. This means that the material will not have time to adjust its structure before it fractures, resulting in a sharp and sudden breakage. In contrast, a ductile material will deform plastically before breaking, allowing it to absorb energy and dissipate stress.

Examples of Brittleness

Glass is a classic example of a brittle material. It has a low strain tolerance and breaks suddenly when subjected to force. Ceramics such as porcelain and brick are also brittle materials, as are some metals, such as cast iron. Polymers, such as plastics, can also be brittle depending on their composition and the environment they are exposed to.

Causes of Brittleness

The primary cause of brittleness is a lack of internal bonding between atoms or molecules. When these bonds are weak or lacking, the material is unable to deform plastically and will instead fracture when subjected to stress. Materials may also become brittle due to environmental factors, such as exposure to extreme temperatures or chemicals.

Materials Susceptible to Brittleness

Most ceramics are highly susceptible to brittleness because of their low internal bond strength and inability to deform plastically. Metals, such as cast iron, can become brittle due to their chemical composition or environmental conditions. Polymers, such as plastics, can also become brittle if exposed to extreme temperatures or chemicals. In general, materials with low bond strength and those exposed to extreme conditions tend to be more susceptible to brittleness than other materials.

In Conclusion

Brittleness is an important material property that must be taken into consideration when designing and fabricating products. When designing with brittle materials, it is important to understand the causes of brittleness and to choose materials that are less susceptible to this phenomenon. By understanding brittleness and choosing appropriate materials, engineers and designers can create products that are safe, durable, and reliable.

Dive In to Charpy Impact Test: Definition, History, Benefits and How To