What are Isotropic and Anisotropic Materials?
The word isotropic is derived from Greek words isos meaning equal and tropos meaning way. Some materials such as metals, diamonds, glasses, etc. exhibit the same material properties (such as strength, stiffness) in all directions, these materials are known as isotropic materials and this type of behaviour of these materials is known as isotropy.
The word anisotropic is also derived from the Greek words an means without, isos means equal and tropos means way. Thus, anisotropic meaning has different properties in different directions. It is the opposite of isotropic. Wood and composite materials are good examples of anisotropic materials. Properties of these materials are dependent on directions; it means they show different properties in different directions. This type of behavior of these materials is called anisotropy.
Isotropic vs Anisotropic Minerals
Isotropic mineral crystals have the same and consistent characteristics throughout the material. This is due to their uniform composition throughout and the fact that they are not direction-dimension dependent.
The mineral crystal that has varying properties in different orientations of the mineral surface is called anisotropic. The differences in properties are related to the compositional differences. These minerals' characteristics are direction-dimension dependent. Double refraction is one of their qualities.
Difference Between Isotropic and Anisotropic Materials
The difference Between Isotropic and Anisotropic Materials is as follows.
It is possible that an isotropic material may show anisotropy at many parts. Although as a whole it remains isotropic as isotropic parts and anisotropic parts cancel out each other.
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Conclusion
In material science and crystallography, the terms isotropic and anisotropic are commonly used to describe the atomic orientation, structure, and morphology of materials. The properties of isotropic materials, such as cubic crystals and amorphous materials (for example, glass), do not change when the substance moves. The properties of anisotropic materials, such as wood and composites, vary along with the material's directions.
FAQs on Difference Between Isotropic and Anisotropic Materials
1.What is the meaning of isotropic?
Isotropic crystals are mineral crystals that have the same composition and properties all the way through. As a result, the properties of an isotropic mineral are unaffected by direction or dimension.
The fact that the chemical bonding is homogeneous across the mineral crystal due to its equal composition implies this. Because light cannot pass through certain minerals, when light is shone on them, they seem dark.
2.What is the meaning of anisotropic?
Mineral materials with variable and non-uniform composition and properties are known as anisotropic crystals. As a result, anisotropic minerals' properties are direction-dimension dependent.
As the properties of anisotropic materials change with direction, they have uneven and changing chemical bonding in each direction. Because light can easily pass through this material, it appears bright-colored when light is shone on it.
3.Give the direction dependency of isotropic and anisotropic materials.
Isotropic minerals have properties that are consistent regardless of crystal direction or dimension. Anisotropic materials, on the other hand, are direction-dimension dependent, resulting in differing characteristics in various directions and dimensions of the mineral crystal.