ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the process involved in the selection of materials. In selecting materials for a particular application there is likely to be some property which could be critical and for which there is a limit below which a material would not be a feasible choice. In considering the properties of a material that might make it suitable for a particular application people are often have to deal with requirements that involves the combination of properties. The total cost of a product involves considering not just the cost of the material but also the costs of processing it to give the required product. Energy and materials are consumed at each stage in the cycle. This can result in the release of gases such as carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen. Reconditioning involves replacing parts that have worn out or become defective and so enabling the product to continue being useful.
