Obsolescence of metal materials and products

Abstract

It is shown that the degradation of materials is a complex field, for which it becomes necessary to launch on the knowledge market a new scientific branch, Material Degradation Engineering. To analyse the degradation of materials, it is recommended to use the ecotechnological paradigm, on the basis of which the knowledge of the negative (entropic) effects of degradation can be deepened. In this paper, we define, characterise and reason the forms of materials obsolescence, i.e. the unplanned and the planned obsolescence. Taking as example the steel, which is a durable-sustainable material, we present some ways to minimize the negative effects of the material obsolescence.