Influence of Bond Type on Structure and Properties

Abstract

The various types of interatomic and intermolecular bonds were described in Chapter 2 and it was stated that the bond energies, that is the strengths of bonds, varied from one type to another. It was noted also that covalent bonds were directional whereas the ionic and metallic bonds were not directional in nature. These characteristics exert influences on both the structures and properties of materials. An attempt is made in this chapter to indicate the general ways in which the bond type helps to determine the properties of a material. It should be remembered though that bond type is only one of many disparate factors which influence the final properties of any material.