Non-metallic materials can be categorized as synthetic or natural.
Synthetic materials include plastics, manufactured glass, manufactured fibres, polythene,
ink, paints and drugs among others.
Natural non-metallic materials include plant and animal products such as wood, wool, bones and skin among others. They also include inorganic material such as stones, minerals, sand, clay and ballast among others.
Physical properties of non-metallic materials
Physical State
Non-metals can exist in all the three physical stats; solid, liquid and gaseous.
Hardness
Non-metals are generally soft. Some of the solid non-metals are quite soft. They can easily be cut with a knife.
Brittleness
Non-metallic materials are brittle because they break down into pieces on hammering
Decomposition
Natural non-metallic decompose (rot) after sometime. Synthetic non- metallic materials do not decompose easily.
Combustibility
Non-metallic materials generally burn in fire, except earth and mineral products
Heat Conduction
Non-metallic materials do not conduct heat. This means that non-metals do not allow heat to pass through them.
Shininess
Natural non-metallic materials are dull. Synthetic non-metals appear a little shiny.
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