microstructures
Small-scale internal patterns
Microstructures are the fine-scale internal features of a material, visible under magnification but not to the naked eye.
In metallurgy and materials science, examining microstructure reveals grain boundaries, crystalline phases, and defects that determine a material's properties: The steel's microstructure showed signs of fatigue.
The term extends to any system's small-scale organizational patterns.
Metallic element mixtures
- compositesMaterials from merged components
- polymersLarge chain-like molecules
- semiconductorsPartially conductive materials
- ceramicsHardened clay objects
biomaterials · metallurgy · crystallography · precipitates · inclusions · dislocations · voids · porosity
Cereal plant's harvest unit
- dendriteNeuron's input branch
- lamellaThin structural plate
- columnarShaped like a pillar
- acicularNeedle-shaped in form
fibrous · cellular · banded · networked · twinning · recrystallized · deformed · porous
Billionth-meter dimension
- microscopicToo small for eyes
- ultrafineExceptionally small in size
- fine-grainedComposed of minute particles
- coarse-grainedHaving large particles
microcrystalline · angstroms · microns · nanometers · mesoscale
Capable of elongation
- hardnessResistance to penetration
- ductilityAbility to stretch unbroken
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
creep · brittleness · elasticity · anisotropy · texture
Technique using powerful lenses
- diffractionWaves spreading past obstacles
- metrologyScience of precise quantification
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
- imagingProducing visual representations
tomography · spectroscopy · crystallinity · morphology · characterization · SEM · cross-section · micrograph
Grease-based flat plate printing
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
- sinteringPowder consolidation by heating
- sputteringParticle ejection from surfaces
- photolithographyLight-transfers patterns onto silicon
microfabrication · deposition · annealing · diffusion · patterning · doping · templating · self-assembly
alloys
Metallic element mixtures
- compositesMaterials from merged components
- polymersLarge chain-like molecules
- semiconductorsPartially conductive materials
ceramics · biomaterials · metallurgy · crystallography · precipitates · inclusions · dislocations · voids · porosity · dendrites
grain
Cereal plant's harvest unit
acicular · fibrous · cellular · banded · networked · twinning · recrystallized · deformed · porous · layered
nanoscale
Billionth-meter dimension
- microscopicToo small for eyes
- ultrafineExceptionally small in size
- fine-grainedComposed of minute particles
coarse-grained · microcrystalline · angstroms · microns · nanometers · mesoscale
tensile
Capable of elongation
- hardnessResistance to penetration
- ductilityAbility to stretch unbroken
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
fatigue · creep · brittleness · elasticity · anisotropy · texture
microscopy
Technique using powerful lenses
- diffractionWaves spreading past obstacles
- metrologyScience of precise quantification
- resolutionFormal decision or determination
imaging · tomography · spectroscopy · crystallinity · morphology · characterization · SEM · cross-section · micrograph · magnification
lithography
Grease-based flat plate printing
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
- sinteringPowder consolidation by heating
- sputteringParticle ejection from surfaces
photolithography · microfabrication · deposition · annealing · diffusion · patterning · doping · templating · self-assembly · nanofabrication