1.2 Classification of Materials

Question 1

State the seven types of classification of material

Answer 1

Metals, woods, polymers, papers and boards, composites, smart materials, modern materials

Question 2

States the three classifications of metals

Answer 2

Ferrous, nonferrous, alloy

Question 3

Define a ferrous metal and give three examples

Answer 3

A metal containing mostly iron and carbon. Ferris metals are magnetic and will rust

Low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, cast iron

Question 4

Define nonferrous and give three examples

Answer 4

A metal that does not contain iron, it’s not magnetic and does not rust

Aluminium, copper, zinc

Question 5

Define an alloy and give three examples of each

Answer 5

And alloy is a metal made of two or more metals

Ferrous metals = Stainless steel, die steel, high speed steel (HSS)
Non-ferrous alloys = Bronze, brass, duralumin, pewter

Question 6

State the three classifications of wood

Answer 6

Hardwood, softwood and manufactured boards

Question 7

Define hardwood and give three examples

Answer 7

A wood from broadleaved (deciduous) trees.

Oak, ash, mahogany, teak, birch, beech

Question 8

Define softwood and give three examples

Answer 8

Wood from a coniferous tree

Pine, spruce, redwood, Douglas fir, cedar, larch

Question 9

Define manufactured boards and give three examples

Answer 9

A man-made wood-based composite material

Plywood, chipboard, MDF, marine plywood, aero ply, flexible plywood

Question 10

State the three categorisations of polymers

Answer 10

Thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, elastomers

Question 11

Define a Thermoplastic and give three examples

Answer 11

A material that can be repeatedly reheated and reshaped

LDPE, HDPE, PP, HIPS, ABS, PET, PVC, PMMA

Question 12

Define thermosetting polymers and give three examples

Answer 12

A material which when heated undergoes a chemical change whereby molecules form rigid cross-links. They cannot be reshaped.

UF, MF, epoxy resin, polyester resin

Question 13

Define and elastomer and give three examples

Answer 13

A material which at room temperature can be deformed under pressure and then release of the pressure will return to its original shape

Silicone, neoprene, natural rubber, polybutadiene

Question 14

Describe papers and boards and give three examples

Answer 14

They are compliant materials meaning they can be scored, folded, and cut to form items such as nets for packaging

Layout paper, cartridge paper, tracing paper

Question 15

Define a composite material And it’s three types with examples

Answer 15

A material comprised of two or more different materials results in a material with enhanced properties. Composites can be fibre-based, particle-based, or sheet based

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) & concrete

Question 16

Define a smart material and give three examples

Answer 16

A material whose physical properties change in response to an input or change in the environment such as electricity, pressure, temperature, or light

Shape memory alloys (SMA’s), Piezo electric materials, photochromic pigments

Question 17

Define a modern material and give three examples

Answer 17

A material development through the invention of a new or improved process

Kevlar, PMC, high density modelling foam, polymorph