Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering: An Integrated Approach, 3e

GTBL042-20 GTBL042-Callister-v3 September 21, 2007 19:48

798 • Chapter 20 / Economic, Environmental, and Societal Issues

environmental interactions/exchanges are important factors in the efficient opera-

tion of the materials cycle. The earth is a closed system in that its materials resources

are finite; to some degree, the same may be said of energy resources. Environmental

issues involve ecological damage, pollution, and waste disposal. Recycling of used

products and the utilization of green design obviate some of these environmental

problems.

Recycling Issues in Materials Science and Engineering

Recyclability and disposability issues were addressed in the context of materials

science and engineering. Ideally, a material should be at best recyclable, and at

least biodegradable or disposable. The recyclability and disposability of metal al-

loys, glasses, polymers, and composites were also discussed.

REFERENCES

Engineering Economics

Park, C. S.,Fundamentals of Engineering Eco-

nomics, Pearson Education, Upper Saddle

River, NJ, 2004.

White, J. A., K. E. Case, D. B. Pratt, and M. H. Agee,

Principles of Engineering Economics Analysis,

4th edition, Wiley, New York, 1998.

Societal

Cohen, M., “Societal Issues in Materials Science

and Technology,”Materials Research Society

Bulletin,September, 1994, pp. –.

Environmental

Ackerman, F.,Why Do We Recycle?: Markets, Val-

ues, and Public Policy,Island Press, Washing-

ton, D.C., 1997.

Azapagic, A., A. Emsley, and I. Hamerton,Poly-

mers, the Environment and Sustainable Devel-

opment,John Wiley & Sons, West Sussex, UK,

2003.

Landreth, R. E. and P. E. Rebers (Editors),Mu-

nicipal Solid Wastes—Problems and Solutions,

CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1997.

McDonough, W. and M. Braungart,Cradle to Cra-

dle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, North

Point Press, New York, 2002.

Porter, R. C., The Economics of Waste, Re-

sources for the Future Press, Washington, D.C.,

2002.

Salvato, J. A., N. L. Nemerow, and F. J. Agardy,

Environmental Engineering,5th edition, John

Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ, 2003.

DESIGN QUESTIONS

20.D1Glass, aluminum, and various plastic mate-

rials are utilized for containers (the chapter-

opening photograph for Chapter 1). Make a

list of the advantages and disadvantages of

using each of these three material types; in-

clude such factors as cost, recyclability, and

energy consumption for container produc-

tion.

20.D2Discuss why it is important to consider the

entire life cycle, rather than just the first

stage.

20.D3Discuss how materials engineering can play

a role in “green design.”

20.D4Suggest other consumer actions for minimal

environmental impact than just recycling.