1.2 Performance Characteristics of Materials Flashcards
layout paper
-thin
-translucent
-smooth surface
USES: sketching, tracing, technical drawing
cartridge paper
-off-white
-slightly textured surface
USES: sketching, rendering in pencil, ink & pastel
tracing paper
-translucent
-slightly thicker than layout
USES: copying images when sketching
bleed-proof paper
-similar to cartridge paper but bleed-proof so colours do not run
USES: spirit-based marker rendering
treated paper
-plain paper
-w/ clear binder/dye layer applied to help hold image on surface
USES: photographic printing
watercolour paper
-available in absorbent, smooth, hot-pressed or cold-pressed
USES: watercolour painting
corrugated card
-carton board outer layers
-corrugated middle layer
-ability to protect against impact
-(also good insulator)
USES: protective packaging, model making, prototyping
bleached card
-chemically treated to brighten surface to make suitable for high-quality printing
USES: greetings cards, high-quality packaging
mount board
-compressed cotton fibres
-rigid board
USES: presenting artwork, modelling, picture mounting
duplex card
-2 layers of paper
-exterior coated to make more water resistant
-gives glossy sheen and waxy feel
USES: food packaging (eg juice), disposable cups/plates
foil backed and laminated card
-card w/ polymer film/foil applied
-provides water resistant and/or heat insulating layer
USES: drinks packaging, milk cartons, take-away box lids
metal effect card
-high quality card w/ thin metal layer on outer surface
-enhanced aesthetics
-can be embossed
USES: gift boxes & packaging, business cards
moulded paper pulp
-recycled paper pulp moulded when wet
-dries to specific shape
-smooth on visible inside surface, rough on outer surface
USES: eco-friendly packaging, egg boxes, fruit packaging
foam board
- two outer layers of card with a foam core
-good impact resistance
-lightweight
-rigid
-flammable
USES: modelling, presentation boards
fluted PP sheet
-extruded sheet w/ corrugations
-lightweight
-not easy to bend against flute, but easy along flutes
-cheap
-UV degradation, flammable
USES: signs, storage box, portfolio cases
translucent PP sheet
-extremely tough
-virtually impossible to tear
-can be scored & bent to form hinge
-UV degradation, flammable
USES: packaging, folders
styrofoam
-dense closed-cell foam
-often blue
-can be cut, shaped & sanded with standard workshop tools
-variety of densities
-lightweight
-not biodegradable
-not cost effective to recycle
USES: modelling, formers for moulding & laminating
LDPE sheet
-very thin, transparent
-tough
-chemical resistance
-flexible
-flammable, not biodegradable, incineration releases harmful gases
USES: food wrapping, bubble wrap, carrier bags
plastazote foam
-closed cell polyethylene foam
-tough
-flexible
-impact resistance
-impermeable to liquids
-expensive
-difficult to sand, contracts w/ heat
USES: swimming floats, pipe insulation, props
cellulose acetate
-transparent
-glossy
-cellulose is a renewable resource
-biodegradable
-absorbs moisture
-flammable
USES: cosmetics cases, glasses frames, packaging
polyactide (PLA)
-biodegradable
-low melting point
-renewable materials
-expensive
-not very hard or tough
USES: medical implants, disposable cutlery, sports wear
softwood
-coniferous trees
> do NOT lose leaves
> fast growing
-cheaper
hardwood
-deciduous trees
> lose leaves
> slow growing
-expensive
oak
HARDWOOD -hard & tough -attractive grain -weather resistant -durable -very heavy -contains tannic acid (corrodes steel fixings) -veneers difficult to protect USES: furniture, flooring, wall coverings
ash
HARDWOOD -strong, hard & tough -high elasticity -low density -good shock absorption -not weather resistant -not suitable for polishing USES: tool handles, ladders
mahogany
HARDWOOD
-v hard
-v attractive (& expensive)
-water & decay resistant
-interlocking grain (+ hardness) = difficult to work with
USES: indoor furniture, musical instruments
teak
HARDWOOD - strong, hard & tough -natural oils resist water, acids & alkalis -durable -easy to work with -difficult to glue (natural oils) -expensive -blunts tools USES: outdoor furniture, laboratory benches
birch
HARDWOOD - hard -resists warping -attractive -resistant to decay -stains & polishes well -can crack in dry conditions USES: indoor panelling, veneers
beech
HARDWOOD -tough & hard -does not impart taste to food -steamed (white), un-steamed (pink) -polishes well -odourless -not suitable for outdoor use (absorbs moisture) -heavy USES: chopping boards, tools (mallets)
pine
SOFTWOOD - lightweight -cheap -good elasticity -attractive -knotty so difficult to work with -susceptible to swelling/shrinking -not weatherproof USES: roof beams, interior joinery
spruce
SOFTWOOD - strong & durable - resistant to splitting - inexpensive -lightweight -prone to disease & insect infestations -not weather resistant USES: indoor furniture, contruction
Douglas fir
SOFTWOOD
- stable
-good resistance to corrosion & rot
-cheap
-durable, strong & tough
- not very attractive (lacks distinctive grain)
USES: plywood construction, joinery & construction work
larch
SOFTWOOD
- hard & tough
-attractive (fades to silver when exposed outdoors)
- slower growing & more expensive than other softwoods
- durable
- decay & fire resistant
- heavy
- high resin content (difficult to work with)
USES: decking, garden furniture
cedar
SOFTWOOD - can corrode ferrous metals (acidic) - low density - good sound dampening - resistant to moisture - durable -attractive - natural insect repellent - nice aroma -decay resistant -expensive -soft USES: exterior cladding, beehives
plywood
MANUFACTURED BOARD - thin layers of wood placed & glued at 90 deg to each other -compressed to form board (laminated) - always odd no. of layers - strong in all directions -chemical resistance -strong & durable - lightweight -can be made to whatever size -edges must be finished - susceptible to water damage -glue is carcinogenic USES: indoor furniture, structural work
marine plywood
MANUFACTURED BOARD - similar to plywood by gap & void free - uses water & boil proof glue (gives resistance to moisture) - some higher quality also resistant to fungal attack -smooth -impact resistant -whatever size -strong & durable -edges need to be finished USES: boat dashboards & panelling
aeroply
MANUFACTURED BOARD - plywood made from high quality timbre - v thin sheets - light, easy to bend around support frame -strong -cheap -whatever size -durable, pliable, flexible - difficult to cut -susceptible to water damage USES: gliders, jewellery
flexible plywood
MANUFACTURED BOARD - odd number of layers -2 outer layers made from open grained timber- allows flex -bent & glued around former to achieve solid shape -cheap -whatever size -susceptible to water damage -carcinogenic glue USES: laminated furniture, curved panels
chipboard
MANUFACTURED BOARD
-wood chips compressed with a resin (eg urea formaldehyde
-cheap
-environmentally friendly (uses recycled wood)
-light, hard
-not water resistant
-can be toxic- resin breaks down
-unattractive
USES: kitchen worktops, shelving & flatpack
MDF
medium density fibreboard
MANUFACTURED BOARD -compressed wood fibres, sometimes urea formaldehyde resin is added -2 smooth faces -stiff -cheaper than ply -consistent strength -environmentally friendly (recycled wood) -easy to cut (no grain) -whatever size -weak -absorbs water -resin is carcinogenic -doesn't hold screw well USES: model/mould making, furniture
rough sawn
- direct from seasoning
- rough surfaces
- nominal sizes instead of accurate
PSE
planed square edge
- only one edge is planed accurately
- the rest are rough sawn
- removed approx 3mm from original nominal size
PAR
planed all round
- sides and edges are all planed square
- smooth finish
- ready to use
- approx 3mm smaller all round than nominal size
veneer
-decorative covering of fine wood (less than 3mm thick) applied to coarser wood/other material
MF laminates
- thin sheets of MF polymer
- hard, tough, chemical resistant
- decorative covering for chipboard for kitchen worktops etc
copper ore = ?
chalcopyrite
aluminium ore = ?
bauxite
tin ore = ?
cassiterite
zinc ore = ?
zinc blende
pure iron
FERROUS 0% carbon -very soft, can be bent without heating -malleable, ductile -magnetic -easy to shape -inexpensive -rusts USES: wrought iron, used to make alloys/steel
low carbon steel
FERROUS- 0.1 - 0.3% carbon -soft -malleable, ductile -high tensile strength -tough -poor resistance to corrosion -easy to weld w/o changing properties -can bend without breaking -rusts -easily scratched, not very strong USES: cans, car body, nuts & bolts etc
medium carbon steel
FERROUS- 0.35 - 0.5% carbon - harder than low carbon - less ductile than low carbon - malleable - tough - not as brittle as high carbon - rusts USES: springs, gardening tools
high carbon steel
FERROUS- 0.5 - 1.5% carbon - very strong & hard - stays sharp - resistant to wear - can cut low carbon - can chip - rusts - difficult to bend w/o breaking USES: knives, chains, cutting tools, masonry nails
cast iron
FERROUS- 2.5 - 4% carbon - very brittle - low tensile strength - hard outer skin - good compressive strength - doesn't rust (contains silicon) - doesn't soften/distort in hot weather -doesn't need to be painted - poor impact resistance - very heavy USES: disc brakes, machine parts engine blocks, street furniture (bollards etc)
stainless steel
FERROUS ALLOY - contains chrome & nickel - tough & hard - corrosion resistant - difficult to weld - expensive - can be scratched USES: cutlery & kitchenware, sinks
high speed steel
HSS
FERROUS ALLOY
- contains tungsten, chromium, vanadium, carbon
- hard & tough
- high level of resistance to frictional heat
USES: tool blades, drill bits, milling cutters, router bits
die steel
tool steel
FERROUS ALLOY
- hard
- tough
USES: blanking punches & dies, extruder dies, fine press tools
molybdenum in steel- uses?
- protects from salt water (which causes chloride cracking)
- used on boats/yachts
- provides elasticity & tensile strength
- used in recumbent bikes
aluminium
NON-FERROUS - malleable & ductile - good thermal & electrical conductivity - corrosion resistant -lightweight - does not become brittle when exposed to low temps -recyclable -tough -expensive - needs special processes to weld USES: aeroplane parts, cans, foil, window frames
copper
NON-FERROUS - highly ductile - very good electrical & thermal conductivity - antimicrobial properties - attractive - expensive - oxidises quickly (turns green) USES: wires & electronics, kitchen pans
zinc
NON-FERROUS - malleable when heated - moderate conductivity - heavy - corrosion resistant (layer of zinc carbonate on surface) - scratches disappear over time - attractive - brittle - weak - low toughness USES: roofing, hot dip galvanising, alloys
silver
NON-FERROUS - ductile, malleable - excellent conductor of heat & electricity - high density - antimicrobial properties - corrosion & oxidation resistant - attractive (lustrous) - expensive - soft (scratches easily) USES: chemical catalyst, medical scrubs etc, jewellery
gold
NON-FERROUS - soft (scratches easily) - ductile & malleable (intricate shapes) - inert (unreactive) - good thermal & electrical conductor - does not tarnish - very attractive USES: jewellery, dental work (eg fillings), electronics
titanium
NON-FERROUS - very ductile - high tensile strength (very strong) - low electrical & thermal conductivity - high melting point - low density (lightweight) - corrosion resistant - expensive - high chemical reactivity USES: joint replacement, aircraft & spacecraft, bikes, laptops, alloys
tin
NON-FERROUS - lightweight (low density) - malleable & ductile - resists corrosion - cheap - soft - low electrical conductivity - weak USES: alloys, foil, solders
bronze
NON-FERROUS ALLOY - copper & tin - highly ductile - good conductor - resists corrosion - attractive - antimicrobial - brittle & weak - soft - expensive USES: bearings, sculpture, musical instruments
duralumin
NON-FERROUS ALLOY - aluminium, copper, magnesium & manganese - hard - malleable & ductile - good conductor - lightweight - resists corrosion - strong - more vulnerable to corrosion (copper oxidises) USES: aircraft, vehicles
brass
NON-FERROUS ALLOY - copper & zinc - good conductivity - low melting point - malleable & ductile - casts well - cheap - resists corrosion - antibacterial properties - prone to tarnishing - soft (scratches easily) USES: boat fittings, ornaments, cast valves & taps
pewter
NON-FERROUS ALLOY - mostly tin with copper & antimony - malleable - low melting point - casts well - cheap - does not tarnish easily - soft - few practical uses (most decorative) USES: tankards, flasks, goblets, candlesticks, trophies
advantages of alloys over pure metals?
- less expensive (uses small amounts of pure metals)
- properties can be manipulated (eg add more copper to increase conductivity)
- usually stronger (atomic structure > more difficult for different sized atoms to slide past each other)
structure of polymers?
many chains of monomers linked together by
> weak intermolecular bonds (van de Waals)- THERMOPLASTICS
> covalent bonds (cross-links)- THERMOSETTING
difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting?
THERMOPLASTICS
> can be melted & reshaped again and again- recyclable
THERMOSETTING PLASTICS
> cannot be reheated & reshaped- molecules for cross-links- non-recyclable
LDPE
low density polyethylene
THERMOPLASTIC - very tough - good chemical resistance - weatherproof - low rigidity - some non-recyclable - not as resistant to UV as HDPE USES: squeeze detergent bottles, toys, carrier bags, food wrap film, packaging
HDPE
high density polyethylene
THERMOPLASTIC - weatherproof - tough - good chemical resistance - easy to mould - less flexible than LDPE - flammable - difficult to bond USES: chemical drums, jerry cans, toys, bag for life, buckets
PP
polypropylene
THERMOPLASTIC - good chemical & fatigue resistance - tough - excellent impact resistance USES: rope, folders, folio cases, food containers, medical equipment
HIPS (high impact polystyrene)
THERMOPLASTIC
- cheap (widely used)
- tough
- good impact resistance
- easily machined
- reduced electrical properties, increased moisture resistance
USES: yoghurt pots, fridge lining, plastic cups, toilet seats
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
THERMOPLASTIC - tough - excellent impact resistance - chemical resistant - hard - only opaque, poor weathering USES: phone handsets, domestic appliances, casings for electronics
acrylic (polymethylmethacrylate) (PMMA)
THERMOPLASTIC
- tough, hard
- good chemical & weather resistance (durable)
- can be polished to glossy finish
- stiff
brittle, scratches easily
USES: car light casings, laser cut items, lighting units
nylon
THERMOPLASTIC
- tough
- corrosion resistant
- good temperature resistance
- low coefficient of friction
- high shrinkage when moulded, lack of stability
USES: bearings, textiles, cable ties, gears
rigid polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
THERMOLASTIC - rigid, opaque - tough, hard - good weathering & chemical resistance - attacked by solvents, easily cracked USES: window frames, external doors, bank cards, gutters
flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
THERMOPLASTIC
- tough, flexible
- good weathering & chemical resistance
- can be translucent
- easily scratched, becomes brittle under UV light (stabilisers needed)
USES: hose pipes, cable insulation, inflatable products, imitation leather
urea formaldehyde
THERMOSET - low cost - easy to use - microorganisms & abrasion resistant - hard - good electrical insulator - heat & water resistant - brittle - limited shelf life, carcinogenic USES: electrical fittings, adhesives, plywood & manufactured boards
melamine formaldehyde
THERMOSET - hard, tough - shrinking & heat resistant - easily coloured - resistant to solvents - self-extinguishing - stain resistant, food safe - affected by concentrated acids & alkalis, not microwave safe USES: picnic ware, decorative laminates, buttons
polyester resin
THERMOSET
- rigid
- heat & chemical resistant
- cheap
- brittle
- gives off toxic fumes, strong odour, difficult to mix with other resins
USES: castings, lay up process, car parts
epoxy resin
THERMOSET
- moisture & chemical resistant
- impact resistant
- rigid, clear, hard, tough
- yellows when exposed to sunlight, prone to trapping air bubbles
USES: adhesives, crafts, encapsulation of electrical components, pacemakers, aerospace
foamant
ADDITIVE
- increase volume & elasticity
fillers
ADDITVE
- improves strength
- decreases cost
- adds bulk
- usually mineral based
stabilisers
ADDITIVE
- prevent/decrease rate of degradation
- increases lifespan
CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic)
COMPOSITE - carbon fibres mix with polyester resin - light - corrosion resistant - tough, hard - low thermal expansion - good compressive strength - very expensive - cannot be fixed if dented/cracked - poor impact resistance USES: sports equipment, prosthetics, racing car bodies, fishing rods
GRP (glass reinforced plastic)
COMPOSITE - glass fibres mixed with polyester resin - light - corrosion resistant - tough, hard - low thermal expansion - good compressive strength - brittle, poor rigidity & stiffness USES: boat hulls, pond liner, kayaks, sports car bodies
tungsten carbide
COMPOSITE
- cermet (mixture of ceramic & metal particles)
- ceramic tungsten & cobalt metal
- hard, tough
- high temperature & corrosion resistant
- brittle
- low tensile strength, difficult to sharpen
USES: cutting tools (drill bits etc), lathe tool tips, kitchen knives, rings
aluminium composite board
COMPOSITE
- aluminium sheets with polyethylene core
- light
- rigid, tough
- malleable
- good thermal & sound insulation
- good vibration damping
- not waterproof
- low fire resistance
- low resistance to UV (fade & lose shine)
USES: soundproofing in cars, buildings etc, signs
concrete
COMPOSITE - cement powder, sand, aggregate particles, water - high compressive strength - few surface defects - easy to mould - low tensile strength, low toughness - long curing time - high weight compared to strength USES: pathways, beams, driveways, house foundations
reinforced concrete
COMPOSITE - cement powder, sand, aggregate particles, low carbon steel rods, water - high compressive & tensile strength - consistent across structure - fire resistant - expensive - shrinkage - requires formwork until hardens - very heavy USES: buildings, bridge piles & spans, grid floors
fibre cement
COMPOSITE
- cement powder, sand, aggregate particles, steel/polymer fibres, water
- lighter than reinforced concrete
- hard, tough
- good at low temperatures & freeze thaw weathering
- expensive
- uneven distribution of fibres
- steel fibres can corrode
- heavy
USES: suspended floors, pathways, complex geometric shapes
engineered wood (glulam)
COMPOSITE - timbre laminates anf MF adhesive - good aesthetics - natural alternative to reinforced concrete - more lightweight than concrete - fire resistant - good structural stability - corrosion proof - susceptible to scratches & dents - not moisture resistant - expensive USES: beams, bridges, domes, arches, rafters
natural rubber (polyisoprene)
ELASTOMER
- high tensile strength
- low elongation
- hard, tough
- electrical insulator
- cold, water, certain chemicals resistance
- resistant to fatigue from cutting, chipping, tearing
- very flexible
- not as effective at resisting heat, light, ozone as other rubbers
- expensive
- grows naturally
- has to be exported (global warming)
USES: tyres, tubes, hoses, gaskets, balloons, footwear
butadiene rubber
ELASTOMER - synthetic - tough - excellent wear & thermal resistance against friction - electrical insulator - abrasion resistant - poor chemical & oil resistance USES: tyres, shoe soles, conveyor belts, pneumatic hoses
neoprene (polychloroprene rubber)
ELASTOMER
- synthetic
- good thermal, oil, chemical, weather & abrasion resistance
- tough
- electrical insulator
- expensive compared to alternatives with similar/better properties
- absorbs water
- poor resistance to oxidising acids, hydrocarbons, esters and ketones
USES: wetsuits, laptop cases, shock absorber seals
silicone
ELASTOMER - synthetic - good flexibility at low temperatures - poor abrasion resistance - good thermal, temperature extremes and weather resistance - good lubricating qualities - flame retardant - excellent tensile strength USES: bake wear, cooking utensils, fridge seals, mould making, medical lubricant for prosthetics, tubing for drug delivery system
corn starch polymer
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- natural
- high starch vegetables (corn, potatoes, maize)
USES: packaging, straws, disposable cutlery, bags, takeaway containers
potatopak
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- natural
- potato starch
USES: single use food items (bowls, cutlery, serviettes), packing peanuts, bin bags
biopol (bio-batch additive)
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- natural
- bacteria grown in cultures
- additive which promotes degradation, added to thermoplastics
USES: film, carrier bags, vending cups, nappies, surgical stitches, pill coverings
polylactic acid (PLA)
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- synthetic
- corn kernels/cane sugar fermented to produce lactic acid then synthesised to produce PLA
USES: packaging, single-use bottles, carrier bags, plant pots, nappies, 3D printing
polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER - natural - bacteria grown in cultures - fully compostable USES: packaging, slow release medication patches, film, screws & bone plates
lactide
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER - synthetic - fully compostable, water soluble - PLA & cellulose based USES: biomedical applications, slow-release medication, bone repair fixings, detergent washing sachets
glycolide (lactel & ecofilm)
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER - synthetic - fully compostable - PLA & cellulose based USES: food film, bags, packaging wrap, bin bags, agricultural ground sheet, flower wrap
synthetic bio-polymers (def)
made from renewable sources but chemically engineered (synthesised) to break down more quickly
oxy-degradable polymer (def)
- polymer breaks down when exposed to oxygen
- length of time for polymer to degrade can be ‘programmed’- few months - few years
photodegradable polymer (def)
- breaks down when exposed to UV light
hydro-degradable polymer (def)
- breaks down when exposed to water
- degrade more quickly than oxygen-degradable
kevlar
MODERN MATERIAL - woven fibre - flexible - very difficult to cut - strong, durable, light - heat resistant - very high tensile strength - absorbent - poor compressive strength - special tool needed to cut & piece it USES: body armour, aerospace, puncture resistant tyres
precious metal clay
MODERN MATERIAL
- clay consistency made up of metal particles
- easy to mould
- inexpensive compared to solid metals
- fragile (like ceramics)
USES: jewellery, sculptures, decorative items
high density modelling foam
MODERN MATERIAL - polyurethane close-cell foam blocks/sheets - lightweight - easy to work with using traditional wood working tools (CNC, sands easily- allow creation of intricate shapes & forms) - absorbent - releases toxic fumes - flammable USES: 3D modelling, prototypes
polymorph
MODERN MATERIAL
- polymer granules that become mouldable at 60 degrees
- can be heated in water/with a hair dryer
- can be reheated & reformed
- easy to work with, light weight
- can be drilled & cut when cool
- can be used in mould/to create mould
- will stick to silicone & other plastics
USES: modelling, creating ergonomic shapes, moulds
shape memory alloy (SMA) (eg nitinol)
SMART MATERIAL
- changes shape in response to change in temperature or electrical input
USES: dental braces, self-closing windows, aeroplane wing flaps
thermochromic pigment
SMART MATERIAL
- changes colour in response to temperature change
USES: thermometers, colour change mugs, food packaging, baby feeding spoons, battery charge indicator strips
phosphorescent pigment
SMART MATERIAL
- absorbs light energy during the day & re-emits it when it is dark
USES: fire exit signs, glow in the dark products, night lights, watch hands, compass points
photochromic pigment
SMART MATERIAL
- changes colour with light intensity
USES: welding goggles, reactive spectacles, security markers
electroluminescent wire
SMART MATERIAL
- thin copper wire coated in phosphorescent material that glows in response to an alternating current
USES: glow bracelets, interweaving for clothing, home decoration, outdoor decorative lighting
piezoelectric material
SMART MATERIAL
- gives off small electrical charge when deformed
- increases in size when an electrical current is passed through it
USES: airbag sensors, barbecue lighters, musical greetings cards, vibration damping in tennis rackets, pressure sensors
