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The Structure of Materials Committee covers a wide range of topics and areas in materials science and engineering. Its remit is to promote the study and understanding of the relationships between the microstructure and the properties of inorganic metallic and ceramic materials and minerals, both structural and functional. This includes the development of the tools and techniques for microstructural characterisation and property evaluation.

TEM micrograph of willemite (Zn2SiO4) dendrites growing in a silicaceous glass matrix in a crystalline glaze on the surface of a decorative pot.

3D Crack Plane and Shape of damage

nucleation using optical strain mapping

and X-ray tomography.

It achieves this through organising specialist scientific meetings, advising the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, contributing to Foresight and other Government initiatives, and collaborating with local materials societies.

The membership includes both academics and industrialists and covers a wide range of materials including modern materials under development, traditional engineering materials and minerals. It works closely with other committees within the Institute, particularly High Temperature Materials, Particulate Engineering, Materials Chemistry and Superplasticity.

Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)

map of deformed Al-1%Mn.