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When things like toys or tools get old, they can start to break or not work as well because the materials they're made of change over time. This happens because of things like the weather, how often they're used, or just because they're getting really old.
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Corrosion is a natural process that involves the gradual destruction or deterioration of materials, usually metals, through chemical reactions with their environment. This process can lead to significant structural damage and economic costs, making understanding and prevention crucial in engineering and material science.
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Wear and tear refers to the gradual degradation or damage that occurs to an object or material as a result of normal use or environmental exposure over time. This process is inevitable and can lead to the need for repair, maintenance, or replacement to ensure continued functionality and safety.
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Oxidation is a chemical process in which a substance loses electrons, often accompanied by a gain in oxygen or a loss of hydrogen. It plays a crucial role in various natural and industrial processes, including metabolism, combustion, and corrosion.
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Environmental effects refer to the changes in the environment resulting from human activities or natural phenomena, affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate negative impacts and promote sustainability.
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Material fatigue is the progressive and localized structural damage that occurs when a material is subjected to cyclic loading, leading to the eventual formation of cracks and failure. It is a critical consideration in engineering and design, as it can cause sudden and catastrophic failures in structures and components that appear to be well within their static load limits.
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Chemical degradation refers to the breakdown of materials or compounds due to chemical reactions, often resulting in the loss of functionality or structural integrity. It is a critical factor in material science, affecting the lifespan and performance of products ranging from pharmaceuticals to polymers.
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Thermal degradation refers to the process where materials decompose or deteriorate due to exposure to high temperatures, leading to a loss of mechanical, chemical, or physical properties. This process is critical in understanding material stability, especially in polymers and composites, where it can significantly impact product performance and lifespan.
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Mechanical degradation refers to the deterioration of material properties due to mechanical stresses, which can lead to failure over time. This process is influenced by factors such as load, temperature, and environmental conditions, and is critical in the design and maintenance of mechanical systems to ensure reliability and longevity.
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