Taxonomy of Materials

A taxonomy of all materials organizes substances based on their composition, structure, origin, and function. Below is a structured and practical taxonomy that aligns with scientific, engineering, and industrial standards.

1. Natural vs. Synthetic

A. Natural Materials

Organic

• Wood
• Cotton
• Wool
• Leather
• Natural Rubber

Inorganic

• Stone
• Sand
• Clay
• Minerals
• Metals (native form: gold, silver)
• Water
• Air

B. Synthetic (Man-made) Materials

Polymers

• Plastics (e.g., PVC, PET)
• Synthetic Rubber (e.g., neoprene)
• Fibers (e.g., nylon, polyester)

Composites

• Fiberglass
• Carbon fiber
• Reinforced concrete

Engineered Ceramics and Glass

• Porcelain
• Borosilicate glass

Metals & Alloys

• Steel
• Brass
• Bronze
• Aluminum alloys

2. By Chemical Composition

A. Metals

• Ferrous (contain iron)
• Non-ferrous (aluminum, copper, titanium)

B. Polymers

• Thermoplastics (can be remelted: polyethylene)
• Thermosets (irreversible: epoxy)

C. Ceramics

• Oxide ceramics (alumina, zirconia)
• Non-oxide ceramics (carbides, nitrides)

D. Composites

• Metal matrix composites
• Polymer matrix composites
• Ceramic matrix composites

E. Glasses

• Silicate glass
• Borate glass

F. Semiconductors

• Silicon
• Gallium arsenide

G. Biomaterials

• Bone
• Collagen
• Bioplastics

3. By Structure

Crystalline

• Metals
• Ceramics
• Some polymers

Amorphous

• Glass
• Some polymers

Porous

• Foams
• Sponges

Composite Structures

• Layered (laminates)
• Fiber-reinforced
• Particulate-reinforced

4. By Function / Usage

Construction Materials

• Concrete, steel, bricks, wood

Electronic Materials

• Conductors (copper)
• Insulators (plastic)
• Semiconductors (silicon)

Thermal Materials

• Insulators (ceramic wool)
• Conductors (metals)

Optical Materials

• Lenses (glass, polycarbonate)
• Photovoltaics (silicon)

Medical Materials

• Implants (titanium, bioceramics)
• Prosthetics (polymer composites)

Textile Materials

• Natural fibers (cotton, wool)
• Synthetic fibers (nylon, spandex)

5. By Origin / Source

Mineral-Based

• Silicates, carbonates, metals

Plant-Based

• Cellulose, latex, resins

Animal-Based

• Wool, silk, chitin

Petrochemical-Based

• Plastics, synthetic rubbers