1. Introduction to Materials

Natural materials are found ‘naturally’ around us. We obtain these from plants, animals or the Earths’ crust. 

Fig. 1.6 Sources of natural materials 

Occasionally, these materials may need to be modified in order to make them functional, but their nature remains the same6.

Some of the natural materials are:

1. Wood:  

Wood is a highly valuable resource with various practical uses. It is durable (long lasting and sturdy) and can be easily shaped. Additionally, it is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and possesses an appealing aesthetic quality.

Some of the ways we incorporate wood into our daily lives, are crafting furniture, constructing door frames, and setting up shelves. There are countless other applications for wood as well!

Even paper is made from wood.

Fig. 1.7 Wooden objects 

2. Cotton:  

Cotton is grown on plants and serves as a primary material for clothing. 

Fig. 1.8 Cotton yarn

3. Natural Rubber:

Natural Rubber is primarily derived from the Pará rubber tree. The plant produces latex, a milky white fluid, which is harvested and used in rubber production. This material is highly elastic and can return to its original form after being stretched. The most widespread commercial application of natural rubber is in the production of tyres, serving key industries such as automotive and aerospace.8 

It is also used to make dog toys and clothing (mostly athletic) too.9

1. Leather:

Leather is a material derived from animal skins and is highly valuable for creating sturdy clothing, bags, belts and footwear.

Fig. 1.10 Leather Articles

2. Silk:

Silk, on the other hand, is obtained from silkworm cocoons and spun into a fine fabric used for clothing.

1. Oil:

Crude oil, a precious resource, is found deep underground and requires extraction through pipelines. We rely heavily on oil, using it to fuel transportation, produce petrol and even make soap. Oil is also essential in the production of plastics.

Fig. 1.12 Crude oil

Fig. 1.13 Oil from Plants

2. Iron:

Iron is mined from the Earth's crust and is a vital material for constructing strong buildings and structures.

Human made materials are natural materials that are changed by people through different processes. These materials are also called synthetic materials. 

1. Plastic:

It's created from crude oil using a special process. Once the crude oil turns into plastic, it's no longer natural because it's changed.

2. Paper:

Paper comes from wood by removing the bark, turning the wood into pulp with machines, and then making it into paper.

Fig. 1.15 Wood is used to make paper

3. Glass:

Glass is made from sand. The sand is heated until it becomes liquid, chemicals are added, and it can be poured or moulded into the desired shape.

Fig. 1.16  Glass is made from sand

4. Concrete:

Concrete is made by mixing water, rocks, sand, and cement(human made). Cement makes everything stick together through a chemical process. It's human-made and used for buildings, walls, floors, and statues.

Fig. 1.17  Concrete

5. Synthetic Rubber:

Synthetic rubber is created from a substance sourced from trees or petroleum. In both cases, these natural materials undergo chemical processing, making rubber a human-made product. 

Synthetic rubber is usually better than natural rubber because it can handle higher temperatures, lasts longer without breaking down, and doesn't wear out as easily.8 

Rubber is commonly used in tires, shoe soles, erasers, toys, and various other applications.