Polycrystalline

Type:
Term: PolycrystallineDefinition: Composed of many small crystals, polycrystalline materials have a structure where numerous crystal grains are fused together.Phonetic Pronunciation: (pah-lee-KRIS-tuh-leen)Origin: The term "polycrystalline" originates from the Greek words "poly," meaning many, and "krystallos," meaning ice or crystal. This reflects the material's composition of multiple crystal structures.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos, understanding the polycrystalline nature of the mineral is crucial as it affects the material's strength, durability, and how it fractures into fibers. These properties are important for assessing the risk of asbestos exposure and its potential health hazards.Example Sentence: The polycrystalline structure of asbestos makes it particularly resistant to heat and chemicals, which is why it was widely used in industrial applications.Related Terms: Crystal, Asbestiform, Fibrous, Crystalline, AmorphousNotes: - Polycrystalline materials are not exclusive to asbestos but are a key characteristic of many minerals. - The way polycrystalline asbestos breaks down into fibers can increase its danger to human health.