Integrated Taxonomy of Materials with Industry Standards
April 14, 2025•453 words
Integrated Taxonomy of Materials with Industry Standards
1. Metals and Alloys
Classification Standards:
- ISO 4948: Classification of metallic materials
- ASTM Axxx / Bxxx / Exxx: Material-specific standards
- UNS (Unified Numbering System): e.g., AISI 304 = UNS S30400
Subtypes:
| Class | Example | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Ferrous | Steel, Cast Iron | ISO 4948, ASTM A36, UNS G10200 |
| Non-ferrous | Copper, Aluminum | ASTM B209, ISO 6361, UNS A91100 |
2. Polymers
Classification Standards:
- ISO 1043: Codes for polymers
- ASTM D4000: Plastics classification system
Subtypes:
| Class | Example | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Thermoplastics | PE, PVC, PET | ISO 1043-1, ASTM D1238 |
| Thermosets | Epoxy, Bakelite | ASTM D5948 |
3. Ceramics
Classification Standards:
- ISO 20507: Terminology for ceramics
- ASTM C21: Refractory materials terminology
Subtypes:
| Class | Example | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Oxide Ceramics | Alumina, Zirconia | ISO 20507, ASTM C1323 |
| Non-oxide | SiC, B4C | ASTM C1161 |
4. Glasses
Classification Standards:
- ISO 9050: Glass in buildings
- ASTM C1036: Flat glass specs
Subtypes:
| Class | Example | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Soda-lime | Window glass | ASTM C1036 |
| Borosilicate | Lab glassware | ISO 3585 |
5. Composites
Classification Standards:
- ISO 472: Terms for plastics and composites
- ASTM D3039: Tensile properties
Subtypes:
| Class | Example | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer Matrix (PMC) | Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber | ASTM D3039, ISO 472 |
| Metal Matrix (MMC) | Al+SiC, Ti+C | ASTM E8 |
| Ceramic Matrix (CMC) | SiC matrix + fibers | ASTM C1341 |
6. Natural Materials
Classification Standards:
- ISO 9235: Natural raw materials (mainly for organics)
- ASTM D7786: Biomass-based materials
Subtypes:
| Class | Example | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Organic | Wood, Cotton | ASTM D143 (wood) |
| Inorganic | Clay, Stone | ASTM C216 (brick) |
7. Semiconductors
Classification Standards:
- IEC 60747: Semiconductor devices
- ASTM F928: Silicon wafers
Subtypes:
| Class | Example | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Elemental | Silicon | ASTM F928 |
| Compound | GaAs, SiC | IEC 60747 |
8. Biomaterials
Classification Standards:
- ISO 10993: Biocompatibility
- ASTM F748: Biomaterial definitions
Subtypes:
| Class | Example | Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Hard tissue | Titanium implant | ISO 5832 |
| Soft tissue | Silicone, Collagen | ISO 10993-10 |
Optional Additions for Cross-Referencing
- HS Codes (Customs/Tariff)
- UNSPSC (Procurement)
- NAICS (Industry Use Cases)