They did a super job with the last patch to the R&D materials tab so when you clicked sort you would get common materials and components at the top, followed by uncommon, Rare, Very Rare then Ultra rare. Then upgrade accelerators and I think catalysts at the very end. Following the latest patch it's all gone to hell again.
@Wisecasper
Non-faction Ship Bridge Collector and Junk Hauler with alt-itis
Contact in-game to add your fleet to a casual, friendly Armada