1.2 Performance characteristics of materials (key terms)

Question 1

Air seasoning

Answer 1

A traditional, inexpensive method which involves stacking the wood under a shelter, protected from the rain. air circulates between the planks to slowly remove the excess moisture

Question 2

Kiln seasoning

Answer 2

A more expensive but controlled method which is very quick and can take just a few weeks. planks are stacked onto trolleys and placed in the kiln where both temperature and humidity are controlled

Question 3

Hardwood

Answer 3

A wood from a broad-leaved (deciduous) tree

Question 4

Softwood

Answer 4

A wood from a cone-bearing (coniferous) tree

Question 5

Rough sawn

Answer 5

Wood that comes directly from seasoning and has rough surfaces produced from initial conversion. rough sawn wood will have nominal sizes rather than accurate finished sizes

Question 6

Planned square edge (PSE)

Answer 6

Wood has only one edge that is planned accurately, the rest are rough sawn. PSE is about 3 mm smaller in width from the original nominal size

Question 7

Planned all round (PAR)

Answer 7

Wood has sides and edges that are planned square, straight and level, leaving a smooth finish, and is ready to use. the PAR board is about 3 mm smaller all round than the original rough sawn nominal size

Question 8

Safe working temperature (polymers)

Answer 8

The temperature deemed safe for processing without possible degradation of the polymer properties

Question 9

Composite

Answer 9

A material comprised of two or more different materials, resulting in a material with enhanced properties

Question 10

Smart materials

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Modern materials

Answer 11

Materials that are developed through the invention of new or improved processes