High-strength structural materials
Non-metallic materials generally have a much lower density compared to metals like steel, iron, copper, and lead. Some of them are even lighter than aluminum, magnesium, and titanium. Their specific strength (strength divided by density) is often superior. For instance, certain fiber-reinforced composites can achieve a room-temperature specific strength that surpasses high-strength steel and aluminum alloys. These materials are widely used in lightweight structural components such as handwheels, handles, brackets, covers, and instrument panels. They are also applied in aircraft wings, blades, boat hulls, car bodies, drive shafts, and high-speed textile heald frames. By reducing the weight of these parts, they help increase load capacity, improve operating speed, and save energy.
Antifriction and wear-resistant materials
Some inorganic non-metallic materials are highly resistant to abrasion due to their extreme hardness. Examples include grinding wheels, abrasive cloths or papers, oilstones, and cutting tools made from diamond, silicon carbide, and corundum, which are used for grinding and cutting. Others, like rubber and conveyor belts, offer excellent elasticity and wear resistance, making them suitable for applications involving particles such as sand, ore, and coal. Additionally, some materials naturally reduce friction due to their low coefficient of friction and inherent lubricating properties, such as plastics and graphite. Components like bearings, guide rails, piston rings, and seals made from silicon nitride can operate under dry or minimal lubrication conditions, which is especially beneficial in environments where oil lubrication is impractical or undesirable.
Corrosion-resistant materials
Many non-metallic materials, including ceramics, enamels, graphite, cast stone, and various plastics, exhibit strong resistance to acids, alkalis, salts, and organic solvents. Impervious graphite, for example, is highly resistant to concentrated acids and bases, while polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is known for its ability to withstand almost all chemicals, even aggressive ones like boiling aqua regia. These materials are ideal for manufacturing chemical equipment, towers, blowers, pumps, pipes, valves, and other components that must endure harsh environments.
Sealing materials
Materials such as rubber, plastic, asbestos, and flexible graphite are well-suited for sealing applications due to their flexibility and elasticity. They are commonly used in dynamic and static seals, including compressor piston rings, packing glands, O-rings, and V-rings. Since the 1960s, resin-based sealants have also become popular for static sealing purposes. These materials are easy to apply and provide reliable performance in a wide range of industrial settings.
Electrical insulation materials
Non-metallic materials such as rubber, plastic, ceramic, asbestos, mica, and glass cloth laminates are extensively used as electrical insulators. They are essential in protecting against electric shocks and ensuring safe operation in various electronic and mechanical systems.
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