Final answer:
The characteristic ductile-to-brittle transition is typically found in metals and alloys, which are able to deform without breaking due to their unique atomic structures and delocalized electrons acting as a bonding 'glue'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic ductile-to-brittle transition is typically found in metals and alloys. This transition occurs because metals have a crystal structure that allows layers of atoms to slide past each other without fracturing, much like ball bearings coated with oil. The free-flowing electrons in metals act as a glue that holds the atoms together yet still allows them to move, giving metals their ductile (ability to be drawn into wire) and malleable (ability to be hammered into shapes) properties. This is in contrast to ceramics, which are brittle due to their ionic bonds that cause like-charged ions to repel each other when force is applied, leading to shattering.
Metals conduct both heat and electricity, making them excellent thermal and electrical conductors. Although both metals and alloys can exhibit the ductile-to-brittle transition, it is a key characteristic in understanding how these materials react under different temperatures and stress conditions. For instance, the transition metals, which are used as catalysts in the production of items such as detergents, paints, and fertilizers, can also show a range of mechanical properties depending on their temperature and alloying elements.