Materials Selection and Design of Products with Low Environmental Impact

The creation, use and disposal of any engineering product carry with it an environmental burden. Materials contribute to it in their production, use and disposal of these products. The minimisation of the environmental burden for the whole life-time requires the selection of materials that—without compromising product quality—create less toxic by-products, allow a longer life, are more easily recycled, are lighter and less energy intensive, and that, where possible, use renewable or non-critical resources. The research described here aims at the environmentally-conscious selection of materials early in the design process. It is illustrated by a case study on materials substitution for lightweight cars.