What is Nonfrangibility? Definition, Examples, and Applications

Nonfrangibility refers to the ability of a material or object to resist breaking or shattering when subjected to sudden impact or stress. In other words, nonfrangible materials do not break or shatter easily, but instead may bend, deform, or absorb the impact without breaking.

Examples of nonfrangible materials include:

1. Plastics: Many types of plastics are nonfrangible, such as polycarbonate and acrylic.
2. Glass: Glass is a nonfrangible material that can withstand sudden impacts without breaking.
3. Ceramics: Ceramic materials are often nonfrangible, such as porcelain and ceramic tiles.
4. Metal alloys: Some metal alloys, such as stainless steel and aluminum, are nonfrangible due to their high strength and durability.
5. Composite materials: Composite materials made from a combination of materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), can exhibit nonfrangibility due to the distribution of stress across the material.

In contrast, frangible materials are those that break or shatter easily, such as glass bottles, brittle plastics, and thin sheets of metal. Nonfrangibility is an important property in many applications, such as construction, transportation, and consumer products, where durability and resistance to impact are critical factors.