ABSTRACT
Traditional structural metals such as steel and aluminum are being replaced with plastics, ceramics, and composites in a number of applications. Engineering plastics have a number of advantages, including low cost, ease of fabrication, and corrosion resistance. Ceramics provide superior wear resistance and creep strength. Composites offer high strength/weight ratios, and enable engineers to design materials with specific elastic and thermal properties. Traditional nonmetallic materials such as concrete continue to see widespread use.
