Definitions /Dictionary/Glossary - nptel

Material Qualification: The procedures used to accept a material by a company or organization
for production use.
Material System: A specific composite material made from specifically identified constituents
in specific geometric proportions and arrangements and possessed of numerically defined
properties.
Material System Class: As used in this handbook, a group consisting of material systems
categorized by the same generic constituent materials, but without defining the constituents
uniquely; e.g., the carbon/epoxy class.
Material Variability: A source of variability due to the spatial and consistency variations of the
material itself and due to variation in its processing.
Matrix: The essentially homogeneous material in which the fiber system of a composite is
embedded.
Matrix Content: The amount of matrix present in a composite expressed either as percent by
weight or percent by volume. Discussion: For polymer matrix composites this is called resin
content, which is usually expressed as percent by weight
Mean: See Sample Mean and Population Mean.
Mechanical Adhesion: Adhesion between surfaces in which the adhesive holds the parts
together by interlocking action.
Mechanical Properties: The properties of a material which are associated with elastic and
inelastic reaction when force is applied, or the properties involving the relationship between
stress and strain.
Median: See Sample Median and Population Median.
MEK Peroxide (MEKP): Abbreviation for Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide; a strong oxidizing
agent (free radical source) commonly used as the catalyst for polyesters in the FRP industry.
MEK Solvent: Abbreviation for Methyl Ethyl Ketone; a colorless, flammable liquid commonly
used in gun clean up procedures.
Melt: A charge of molten metal or plastic.
Metal-Matrix Composites (MMC): Materials in which continuous carbon, silicon carbide, or
ceramic fibers are embedded in a metallic matrix material.
Micro: In relation to composites, denotes the properties of the constituents, i.e., matrix and
reinforcement and interface only, as well as their effects on the composite properties.