Various Types of Non-Metallic Materials and Their Uses

While working in the manufacturing or industrial field, you’ve likely heard of some non-metallic materials. But maybe you never had the chance to work with them. If you’re curious about the various types of non-metallic materials and their uses, keep reading to find out. We’re here to educate you on these useful materials and how they might be helpful for your business. Plus, we’ll help you discover what types of product manufacturers use these materials. You might be surprised by the number of everyday items that include these materials!

What Are Non-Metallic Materials?

Non-metallic materials occur naturally or are made from any substances that do not contain metals. These types of materials have properties that are distinct from metallic materials, which makes them popular for use in manufacturing and other fields. In manufacturing, you can categorize non-metallic materials into three groups: thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers. There are other non-metals, but these three are the most common ones in the manufacturing industry.

Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics, also known as thermosoftening plastic, are plastic polymer materials. When heated, these plastic polymers become molten and harden again when cooled. This process is also reversible, making thermoplastics very popular in several industries because manufacturers can reheat it and shape it into something new. People can repeat this process almost indefinitely, which also makes thermoplastics great for recycling purposes. They can take one form for a certain product or material, and then a company can melt them down and reuse them when they have served their purpose. Also, note that thermoplastics take on a glass-like state when frozen and become more brittle and susceptible to cracking or shattering.

There are many different types of thermoplastics, such as polycarbonate or polyethylene, which have everyday applications. And these are just a couple of classifications of thermoplastics.

Uses

Thermoplastic materials have many applications in different industries due to their hardy properties. You might be surprised to learn that this non-metal material makes up lots of the items that we use daily. You can find the thermoplastic polycarbonate in CDs, DVDs, water bottles, and the lenses in your eyeglasses. Polyethylene thermoplastic makes up shampoo and squeeze bottles, cables, and grocery bags. This is also why you should regularly collect and recycle these common items. You can easily recycle plastic bottles by tossing them in your recycling bin. Additionally, you can even recycle plastic grocery bags, DVD discs, and eyeglass lenses. Just look for collection facilities for these items in your local community.

Thermoset Materials

Thermoset materials are also polymer materials. Thermoset materials are different from thermoplastics because manufacturers can’t reform them after they harden. They have a very high melting point. This means that thermoset materials are resistant to high temperatures and various extreme conditions. They also boast high chemical resistance and structural integrity. However, this also means that they are not compatible with recycling processes. Some common examples of thermoset materials include polyester, epoxy, and other types of resins.

Uses

Due to their high melting points and resistances, thermoset materials are very popular in industrial applications. While the average person might not interact with them daily as they do with thermoplastics, anyone in an industrial space will likely work with them. Thermosets often make up construction equipment parts, electrical components, cell tower tops, heat shields, circuit breakers, and various automotive parts. Thermosets make especially great electrical insulating materials as well. They are cost efficient and readily available too. These properties make them even better for production in manufacturing and industrial facilities.

Elastomers

Elastomers are simply polymers that possess elastic properties. They have both high elasticity and viscosity (also known as viscoelasticity). They are unique because they can regain their original shape even after pressure or stress deforms them. In this aspect, they are different from both thermoplastics and thermoset materials. Whether something flattens or stretches them, elastomers will still revert to their original shape. However, elastomers may not hold up to thermosets in terms of resistances, as they tend to harden or crack when exposed to extreme elements like heat and chemicals. Natural rubbers, silicone, polyurethane, and neoprene all make up the elastomer family.

Uses

You’re more likely to encounter products made with elastomers than thermosets daily. While manufacturers still use them industrially, elastomers often make up several automotive parts, including rubber tires. Furthermore, you can encounter elastomers in balloons and wetsuit materials due to their elastic properties. Elastomers in the form of lubricants, adhesives, and tubes all aid the medical industry. Elastic clothing materials like lycra are forms of elastomers too.

Natural Non-Metals

Beyond the three main categories, there are also some naturally occurring forms of non-metallic materials. The manufacturing and industrial industries still use them. However, they don’t have all the strengths and resistances of some of the above materials. This is because they are naturally occurring.

• Wood: While it seems obvious, wood is a non-metallic material that sees heavy use in the construction industry. Wood still makes up furniture, home constructions, bridges, and innumerable smaller applications. Wood has its weaknesses, such as being absorbent and relatively weaker than metallic or even thermoset materials. But it still has its purposes.

• Minerals and Stone: Certain types of stone and other minerals contain no metallic substances. Some examples of these varieties include clay, marble, quartz, sand, ceramics, and limestone. These natural minerals serve many purposes, and some find applications in construction as well. Marble and quartz are popular for more decorative structures, such as pillars and countertops.

Overall, non-metallic materials play a large role in the manufacturing and industrial fields. We hope that this look into the various types of non-metallic materials and their uses has shown what unique and useful applications these materials can have. Metallic materials may be what most people think about first when it comes to construction and other industrial jobs. But non-metals are just as important in the construction space. If your business is looking for new options for materials, consider investing in non-metallic ones. You may realize that they can benefit your business and make up for the shortcomings of metals in specific situations.