1.3 Developments in new materials Flashcards
What is a modern material?
A material that has recently been developed for specific applications
what is graphene?
a single carbon layer material, which is 100x stronger then steel
- very strong
- very lightweight
- extremely flexible
- transparent
- conducts electricity and heat
- used in solar cells
Explain metal foam?
metals like aluminium can be made into foam by injecting gas into them when they are a liquid
- very lightweight
- can absorb energy well
- used for soundproofing or crash protection
properties of titanium?
- fourth most abundant metal
-high corrosive resistance, even to salt water and chlorine - high strength to density ratio
- ## used for outside of aircraft due to strength and non corrosive nature
What are some properties of coated materials?
- include anodised aluminium, nickel plated steels, polymer coated aluminium
- coating metals make them corrosion resistant and add an attractive finish
- dip coating is dipping metal in liquid polymer
- powder coating is when powder is sprayed on a metal and cured in the oven.
Properties of the liquid crystal display?
- a laminated material of two layers of glass with a liquid crystal core .
- a thin flat panel that let lights go through when voltage is applied
- digital watches and flat screen tv.
What are some properties of nano-materials?
- have tiny parts which are extremely small
- used in surface surface coatings or thin films
- used in sports equipment-tennis racket, gold shoes
- used to make it stronger without adding too much weight
- also used in clothing, socks - to reduce sweat absorption
properties of teflon?
- used on pan surfaces, to make sure it doesn’t stick
- slippery material
- used in clothing to stop dirt from sticking to fabric
- used in pipes and containers for chemicals
Explain corn starch polymers?
- made to replace oil based polymers
- used in manufacture of products which have short lifespan
- degradable and will beak down over time
- made from polylactic acid found in high starch vegetables
- also used in food packaging
What are smart materials?
a material that changes its properties in response to changes in the environment
What are therm-chronic material?
- change colour at specific temperatures
- available as plastic, ink, dyes
Give examples of therm-chronic pigments in life?
- colour indicators on bottles to show if cold enough
- plastic strips for temperature checks of children’s foreheads
- t-shirts that change colour
- baby spoons that change colour when the food is too hot
Explain shape memory alloys?
if material is bent or deformed, will return to its original shape when heated
- a responce to change in temp is needed (fire alarms or hot water valves in shower)
- a damaged product needs to be prepared
- movement is needed from an electrical current
Explain photochromic pigments?
material change colour if level of light changes
- lenses in sunglasses, changing shade colour
- security markers only seen in ultraviolet light
- windows which change shade depending on light
- bracelets that change colour if you are getting too much light
What is a composite?
a material that combines the properties of the materials that were used to make it
What is GRP?
glass-fibre reinforced polymer
- glass + flexible polymer
- tough but not brittle
- used to make hulls of boats, car bodies
What is CRP
carbon reinforced plastic
- high strength to weight ratio
- used in aerospace and motor racing
- gives high quality finish, but more expensive then GRP
Give an example of a particle composite?
concrete
Explain the composite cement?
- sand, stones and water
- very good compressive strength
- needs tensile strength
What is a technical textile?
textile materials and products that are manufactured for their technical performance of properties rather then their aesthetic characteristics
What are conductive fabrics?
fabrics which have conductive fibres woven into them or conductive powders impregnated into them.
What are conductive fabrics also called?
e-textiles or electronic textiles
What have conductive fabrics been used for?
in fencing jackets to help with scoring systems. When a specific area of the jacket it hit, a strike is recorded
What is a fire resistant fabric?
give a flame resistant finish
give examples of fire resistant fabric uses?
- for firemen in clothes
- children’s nightwear
- cotton/viscose finishing
name a fire resistant material and explain it?
nomex - made from a type of polymer called meta-aramid
- thickens when heated, increasing protection, while still staying supple and flexible for movement
- lightweight and breathable
Explain kevlar?
formed by combining different threads which are woven together to produce an incredibly strong material
- when combines with resin produces lightweight and extremely strong material
- can withstand EXTREME temperatures
- resist attacks from chemicals
- used as bullet proof vest, helmet, face mask, motorcycle safety
Explain gore-tex
- waterproof yet breathable textile
- used in clothing to give waterproof protection and allows for release of perspiration vapour (sweat)
- has a layer of plastic based on teflon which has lots of mini holes for sweat droplets to go through
- breathable insulator
What are microfibres?
a very thin synthetic fibre
What are microfibres used for?
outdoor clothing and sportswear
What are some characteristics of microfibres?
breathable, durable, crease resistant and easy to care for
What do some microfibres include?
micro encapsulation
What is micro encapsulation?
very thin fibres which hold chemicals in tiny capsules, which can break open and release
When is micro encapsulation used?
outdoor clothing for mosquito repellent
- adding scent to clothing - perfume
