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AQA GCSE - Design and Technology > 1.6 - Materials and their Working Properties > Flashcards

1.6 - Materials and their Working Properties Flashcards

1
Q

What is the difference between a material’s physical and working properties?

A

The physical properties of any material can be measured in their natural state.

Working properties describe how a material responds when it is manipulated or worked.

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2
Q

What are some different physical properties?

A
  • Absorbency
  • Density
  • Electrical conductivity
  • Fusibility
  • Thermal conductivity
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3
Q

What is absorbency? (Physical property)

A

The ability of a material to soak up or draw in heat, light or moisture.

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4
Q

What is density? (Physical property)

A

The mass, per unit volume of any material. How solid a material is.

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5
Q

What is ‘electrical conductivity’? (Physical property)

A

The measure at which a material can transport electricity.

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6
Q

What is fusibility? (Physical property)

A

The ability of a material to be converted from a solid to a fluid state by heat and combined with another material.

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7
Q

What is thermal conductivity? (Physical property)

A

The measure of a material’s ability to transfer heat.

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8
Q

What are some different working properties?

A
  • Ductility
  • Elasticity
  • Hardness
  • Malleability
  • Strength
  • Toughness
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9
Q

What is ductility? (Working property)

A

The ability of a material to be stretched or drawn or pulled without breaking.

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10
Q

What is elasticity? (Working property)

A

The ability to return to its original shape after stretching or compression.

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11
Q

What is hardness? (Working property)

A

The ability to withstand impact, wear, abrasion and indentation.

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12
Q

What is malleability? (Working property)

A

The ability to be bent and shaped without cracking or splitting.

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13
Q

What is strength? (Working property)

A

The ability to withstand a force such as pressure, compression, tension or shear.

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14
Q

What is toughness? (Working property)

A

The ability to absorb shock without fracturing.

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15
Q

Exam Style Question:
Describe the difference between toughness and hardness.
[2]

A
  • Toughness is the ability of a material to withstand an energy of force before it becomes fractured
  • Hardness is a measured resistance to abrasion, wear, scratching, or penetration
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16
Q

The weight of paper is measured in…

A
  • Grams per square metre (GSM).
  • Common weights range from 60-170gsm.
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17
Q

What are some different types of paper?

A
  • Layout
  • Outline
  • Cartridge
  • Bleed proof
  • Grid
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18
Q

What are the properties and uses of layout paper? (Paper)

A
  • Properties: Medium opacity sheet with a smooth finish. 60-90 gsm.
  • Uses: Sketch and design work.
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19
Q

What are the properties and uses of tracing paper? (Paper)

A
  • Properties: Off white, low opacity sheet. 60-90 gsm.
  • Uses: Copying overlays and tracing drawings.
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20
Q

What are the properties and uses of cartridge paper? (Paper)

A
  • Properties: Thick white paper with a textured surface. 120-150 gsm.
  • Uses: Sketching, watercolours, ink drawings.
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21
Q

What are the properties and uses of bleed-proof paper? (Paper)

A
  • Properties: Thick, coated paper that prevents inks or marker pens from bleeding. 120-150 gsm.
  • Uses: High quality illustrations with colour richness and vibrancy.
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22
Q

What are the properties and uses of grid paper? (Paper)

A
  • Properties: White paper with a printed grid of squares, isometric lines or other patterns. 80-100 gsm.
  • Uses: Scale drawings, model making, scientific diagrams.
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23
Q

What are some different types of cards and boards?

A
  • Corrugated
  • Foil-lined
  • Duplex
  • Foam core
  • Ink jet
  • Solid white
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24
Q

What are the properties and uses of corrugated card? (Card and board)

A
  • Properties: Two layers of lightweight card containing a fluted layer for strength. Fully degradable and recyclable.
  • Uses: Packaging for impact protection and
    Insulation.
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25
Q

What are the properties and uses of foil-lined board? (Card and board)

A
  • Properties: Card coated with aluminium foil on one side. Foil retains heat keeping contents warm and creates a moisture barrier.
  • Uses: Takeaway containers.
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26
Q

What are the properties and uses of duplex board? (Card and board)

A
  • Properties: Two layers of card bonded together, often with a white external layer. Available with metallic and holographic hinishes.
  • Uses: Tough, with a bright white appearance suitable for packaging. Used with a waxy coating for food and drink containers.
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27
Q

What are the properties and uses of foam core board? (Card and board)

A
  • Properties: An inner foam core with a paper face. Rigid and stiff.
  • Uses: Model making and mounting artworks.
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28
Q

What are the properties and uses of inkjet card? (Card and board)

A
  • Properties: Treated card with smooth finish and bleed proof printable surface.
  • Uses: Printing photographs and artworks.
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29
Q

What are the properties and uses of solid white board? (Card and board)

A
  • Properties: High quality card, brilliant white smooth finish on both sides.
  • Uses: Greetings cards, quality packaging and book covers.
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30
Q

What are hardwoods and deciduous trees?

A
  • Hardwood is from a deciduous tree, usually a broad-leafed variety that drops its leaves in the winter.
  • Hardwoods tend to have a tighter grain structure.
  • Hardwoods take longer to grow, are not easily sourced and are expensive to buy.
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31
Q

What are some examples of hardwoods?

A
  • Ash
  • Beech
  • Mahogany
  • Balsa
  • Oak
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32
Q

What are the properties and uses of ash? (Hardwood)

A
  • Properties: Flexible, tough and shock resistant, laminates well. Pale brown.
  • Uses: Sports equipment and tool handles.
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33
Q

What are the properties and uses of beech? (Hardwood)

A
  • Properties: Fine finish, tough and durable. Beige with pink hue.
  • Uses: Children’s toys and models, furniture, veneers.
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34
Q

What are the properties and uses of mahogany? (Hardwood)

A
  • Properties: Easily worked, durable and finishes well. Reddish brown.
  • Uses: High end furniture and joinery, veneers.
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35
Q

What are the properties and uses of balsa? (Hardwood)

A
  • Properties: Very soft and spongy. good strength to weight ratio. Pale cream/white.
  • Uses: Prototyping and modelling.
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36
Q

What are the properties and uses of oak? (Hardwood)

A
  • Properties: Tough, hard and durable, high quality finish possible. Light brown.
  • Uses: Flooring, furniture, railway sleepers, veneers.
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37
Q

What are softwoods and coniferous trees?

A
  • Softwood is from a coniferous tree, one that usually bears needles and has cones.
  • Softwoods tend to have a looser grain structure.
  • They are faster growing than hardwoods, making them cheaper to buy, and are considered a sustainable material.
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38
Q

What are some examples of softwoods?

A
  • Pine
  • Spruce
  • Larch
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39
Q

What are the properties and uses of pine? (Softwood)

A
  • Properties: Lightweight, easy to work, can split and be resinous near knots. Pale yellowish brown.
  • Uses: Interior construction, furniture.
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40
Q

What are the properties and uses of spruce? (Softwood)

A
  • Properties: Easy to work, high stiffness to weight ratio. Creamy white.
  • Uses: Construction, furniture and musical instruments.
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41
Q

What are the properties and uses of larch? (Softwood)

A
  • Properties: Durable, tough, good water resistance, good surface finish. Pale reddish brown.
  • Uses: Exterior cladding, decking, flooring, machined mouldings, furniture and joinery. railway sleepers and veneers.
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42
Q

Exam Style Question:
Give two differences between hardwood and softwood.
[2]

A
  • Hardwood comes from deciduous trees.
  • Softwood comes from coniferous trees.
  • Deciduous trees are usually slower growing which makes the wood denser.
43
Q

What are manufactured boards?

A
  • Manufactured boards are usually sheets of processed natural timber waste products or veneers combined with adhesives.
  • They are made from waste wood, low-grade timber and recycled timber.
44
Q

What are some examples of manufactured boards?

A
  • Chipboard
  • Medium density fibreboard (MDF)
  • Plywood
45
Q

What are the properties and uses of chipboard? (Manufactured board)

A
  • Properties: Good compressive strength, not water resistant unless treated, good value but prone to chipping on edges and corners.
  • Uses: Flooring, low-end furniture, kitchen units and worktops.
46
Q

What are the properties and uses of medium density fibreboard (MDF)? (Manufactured board)

A
  • Properties: Rigid and stable, with a smooth, easy to finish surface. Very absorbent so not good in high humidity or damp areas.
  • Uses: Good value, flat pack furniture, toys, kitchen units and internal construction,
47
Q

What are the properties and uses of plywood? (Manufactured board)

A
  • Properties: Very stable in all directions due to alternate layering at 90°, with outside layers running in the same direction.
  • Uses: Furniture, shelving, toys and construction. Interior, exterior and marine grades available for greater water resistance.
48
Q

What are the properties of ferrous metals?

A
  • Ferrous metals all contain iron ferrite and have high tensile strength and durability.
  • Most ferrous metals are magnetic.
  • Vulnerable to rust if exposed to moisture without a protective finish. (Eg stainless steel is protected from rust by the presence of chromium)
49
Q

What are some different ferrous metals?

A
  • Cast iron
  • Low carbon / mild steel
  • High carbon steel
50
Q

What are the properties and uses of cast iron? (Ferrous metal)

A
  • Properties: Hard but brittle. Resists deformation and rust.
  • Uses: Kitchen pans, machine bases, manhole covers.
51
Q

What are the properties and uses of low carbon / mild steel? (Ferrous metal)

A
  • Properties: Tough and ductile. Rusts easily if not protected.
  • Uses: Car bodies, steel building frames, pipelines.
52
Q

What are the properties and uses of high carbon steel? (Ferrous metal)

A
  • Properties: Hard, but brittle. Hard wearing, resists abrasion and retains its shape.
  • Uses: Tools, blades, scissors.
53
Q

What are the properties of non-ferrous metals?

A
  • Non-ferrous metals are a group of pure metals and do not contain iron.
  • Non-magnetic so used for wiring and electronics.
  • Non-ferrous metals have a higher resistance to rust but can corrode or oxidise.
  • Commonly used externally for guttering, pipes and road signs.
54
Q

What are some different non-ferrous metals?

A
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Aluminium
  • Tin
55
Q

What are the properties and uses of zinc? (Non-ferrous metal)

A
  • Properties: Brittle, yet malleable. High corrosion resistance.
  • Uses: Used to galvanise steel.
56
Q

What are the properties and uses of copper? (Non-ferrous metal)

A
  • Properties: Ductile and malleable. Good electrical conductor.
  • Uses: Plumbing supplies, electrical cables.
57
Q

What are the properties and uses of aluminium? (Non-ferrous metal)

A
  • Properties: Lightweight, ductile, resists corrosion.
  • Uses: Bike frames, drinks cans, takeaway trays.
58
Q

What are the properties and uses of tin? (Non-ferrous metal)

A
  • Properties: Malleable and ductile, high corrosion resistance. Good electrical conductor.
  • Uses: Solder, plating surfaces such as cans.
59
Q

What is an alloy?

A
  • Alloys are a mixture of at least one pure metal and another element.
  • The alloying process combines the metals and other elements to improve working properties or aesthetics.
60
Q

Why are alloys normally harder than pure metals?

A
  • Alloys are harder than pure metals as they contain atoms of different sizes.
  • These distort the arrangement of the atoms making it hard for the layers of atoms to slide over each other, creating a harder, stronger metal.
61
Q

What are some examples of alloys

A
  • High speed steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Brass
62
Q

The composition of high speed steel may include:

A
  • Chromium Molybdenum
  • Tungsten Vanadium
  • Cobalt Carbon
63
Q

The composition of stainless steel includes:

A
  • Low carbon 0.03-0.08%
  • Chromium 10.5-26%
64
Q

The composition of brass includes:

A
  • Copper: 65%
  • Zinc: 35%
65
Q

What are the properties and uses of high speed steel? (Alloy)

A
  • Properties: Can withstand high temperatures when machining at high speed.
  • Uses: Cutting tools such as drill bits, mill cutters, taps and dies.
66
Q

What are the properties and uses of stainless steel? (Alloy)

A
  • Properties: Hard, ductile. Rust resistant.
    Chromium layer protects steel from corrosion
  • Uses: Cutlery, kitchen and medical equipment.
67
Q

What are the properties and uses of brass? (Alloy)

A
  • Properties: Malleable and easily cast
    Good corrosion resistance.
  • Uses: Musical instruments, plumbing fitments and ornate artefacts.
68
Q

What are plastics?

A
  • Plastics are mainly synthetic materials made from polymers traditionally derived from finite petrochemical resources.
  • Naturally occurring plastics include amber and rubber.
69
Q

What are the properties of thermoforming polymers?

A
  • Polymer chains are quite loosely entangled with very few cross links. This generally makes them more flexible.
  • This allows the chains to easily slide past each other when heated.
  • They can be formed into complex shapes and reformed multiple times.
70
Q

What are the properties of thermosetting polymers?

A
  • Thermosetting polymers undergo a chemical change and once set, cannot be reformed.
  • Thermosets are resistant to higher temperatures but tend to burn when heated rather than melt.
  • They are harder, more brittle and provide good insulation and chemical resistance.
71
Q

What are some examples of thermoforming polymers?

A
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • High density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • High impact polystyrene (HIPS)
  • Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
  • Acrylic (PMMA)
  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
72
Q

What are the properties and uses of polypropylene (PP)? (Thermoforming polymer)

A
  • Properties: Flexible, tough, lightweight, food safe.
  • Uses: Kitchen, medical products, rope.
73
Q

What are the properties and uses of high density polyethylene (HDPE)? (Thermoforming polymer)

A
  • Properties: Lightweight, strong, rip and chemical resistant.
  • Uses: Milk bottles, pipes, crates, wheelie bins.
74
Q

What are the properties and uses of high impact polystyrene (HIPS)? (Thermoforming polymer)

A
  • Properties: Flexible, impact resistant, lightweight, can be food safe, can be vacuum formed easily.
  • Uses: Yoghurt pots, CD cases, vacuum formed products.
75
Q

What are the properties and uses of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)? (Thermoforming polymer)

A
  • Properties: Light, strong and tough. Blow moulds easily, chemically resistant and fully recyclable.
  • Uses: Drinks bottles, food containers, yarn.
76
Q

What are the properties and uses of acrylic (PMMA)? (Thermoforming polymer)

A
  • Properties: Tough but brittle when thin. Easily scratched, formed and bonded. Resists weather well.
  • Uses: Car lights, alternative to glass, modern baths, clothing.
77
Q

What are the properties and uses of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)? (Thermoforming polymer)

A
  • Properties: Flexible, durable, easily extruded, tough and resistant to chemicals. Good electrical insulator.
  • Uses: Raincoats, pipes, electrical tape and insulation for electrical cables.
78
Q

What are some examples of thermosetting polymers?

A
  • Polyester resin (PR)
  • Epoxy resin (ER)
  • Urea formaldehyde (UF)
  • Phenol formaldehyde (PF)
  • Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
79
Q

What are the properties and uses of polyester resin (PR)? (Thermosetting polymer)

A
  • Properties: Good electrical insulator, hard, but becomes tough when mixed with glass strands to form glass reinforced plastic (GRP).
  • Uses: Used for waterproofing and encapsulating items, boat hulls as GRP.
80
Q

What are the properties and uses of epoxy resin (ER)? (Thermosetting polymer)

A
  • Properties: Good strength to weight ratio, good electrical insulator, heat resistant, durable, extra-strong adhesive.
  • Uses: Bonding waterproof coatings, electronic circuit boards.
81
Q

What are the properties and uses of urea formaldehyde (UF)? (Thermosetting polymer)

A
  • Properties: Smooth finish, high tensile strength, heat resistant, good electrical insulator, hard, brittle, easily injection moulded.
  • Uses: Adhesives for bonding particle boards, decorative laminates, electrical fittings.
82
Q

What are the properties and uses of phenol formaldehyde (PF)? (Thermosetting polymer)

A
  • Properties: Rigid, brittle, heat resistant and a good electrical insulator. Easily injection moulded.
  • Uses: Heat resistant handles, electrical components, snooker balls.
83
Q

What are the properties and uses of melamine formaldehyde (MF)? (Thermosetting polymer)

A
  • Properties: Lightweight, hard but brittle. Food safe.
  • Uses: Worktops, surfaces, some kitchenware.
84
Q

Compare the structures of thermoforming and thermosetting polymers?

A
  • Thermoforming plastics are more flexible and have loose polymer chains that break apart when heated.
  • Thermosetting plastics have rigid cross-linked polymer chains that set when heated and cannot be reformed.
85
Q

Natural fibres are made from plant- or animal-based fibres and are renewable.

What are some examples of natural fibres?

A
  • Cotton
  • Silk
  • Wool
86
Q

What are the properties and uses of cotton? (Natural fibres)

A

Sourced from cotton plant.

  • Properties: Soft, strong, absorbent. Washes and takes dyes well.
  • Uses: Range of clothing, towels, bed sheets.
87
Q

What are the properties and uses of silk? (Natural fibres)

A

Sourced from silkworm cocoon.

  • Properties: Soft, fine, lightweight. Natural shine due to its triangular structure.
  • Uses: Luxury clothing, underwear, ties, wall hangings, night clothes.
88
Q

What are the properties and uses of wool? (Natural fibres)

A

Sourced from sheep, goats, rabbits, camelids.

  • Properties: Warm, naturally crease resistant, can shrink.
  • Uses: Jumpers, coats, suits, blankets, carpets.
89
Q

Synthetic fibres are made from chemically produced polymers.

What are some examples of synthetic fibres?

A
  • Polyamide (Nylon)
  • Elastane (Lycra)
  • Polyester
90
Q

What are the properties and uses of polyamide (Nylon)? (Synthetic fibres)

A
  • Properties: Strong and hard wearing, resists creasing.
  • Uses: Rope, webbing, parachutes, sportswear, umbrellas.
91
Q

What are the properties and uses of elastane (Lycra)? (Synthetic fibres)

A
  • Properties: Smooth, strong and elastic or stretchy. Retains its shape and quick drying.
  • Uses: Sportswear, swimwear, surgical supports.
92
Q

What are the properties and uses of polyester? (Synthetic fibres)

A
  • Properties: Tough, strong, hard wearing, non-absorbent.
  • Uses: Fleece, backpacks, threads, sportswear.
93
Q

What are blended fibres?

A

Blended and mixed fibres combine two or more types of fibre to produce a fabric with useful properties.

94
Q

What is an example of a fabric made from blended fibres?

A

Polycotton

95
Q

What are the properties and uses of polycotton? (Blended fibres)

A
  • Properties: Durable and stronger than pure cotton. Reduces creasing.
  • Uses: Clothing and bed sheets.
96
Q

How are the yarns of a woven cloth arranged?

A
  • Woven cloth is made up of two sets of yarns which are threaded at 90 degrees to each other.
  • The warp threads are fixed in the loom and run the length of the fabric.
  • The weft threads run across the width of the fabric.
97
Q

What are the properties and uses of a plain weave? (Woven cloth arrangement)

A
  • Properties: Strong, hard-wearing, retains shape. Even surface on both sides. Different yarns can create hard wearing weave.
  • Uses: Tablecloths, upholstery, clothing.
98
Q

What are non-woven fabrics?

A

Non-woven fabrics are made directly from fibres without being spun into yarns.

99
Q

What are some examples of non-woven fabrics?

A
  • Bonded fabric
  • Felted fabric
100
Q

What are the properties and uses of bonded fabric? (Non-woven fabric)

A
  • Properties: Fabrics lack strength, they have no grain so can be cut in any direction and do not fray.
  • Uses: Disposable hygienic clothing, cloths, teabags.
101
Q

What are the properties and uses of felted fabric? (Non-woven fabric)

A
  • Properties: Can be formed with moisture and heat, once dry it has no elasticity and can be pulled apart.
  • Uses: Hats, handicrafts, protective pads.
102
Q

What is knitting?

A
  • Knitting is a technique of interlocking yarn loops together to produce a fabric.
  • Used for jumpers, socks, tights, and soft toys.
103
Q

What is weft knitting?

A
  • Weft knit fabrics are made by hand or by machine using a single yarn that forms interlocking loops across the width of the fabric.
  • It is stretchy and can lose its shape.
104
Q

What is warp knitting?

A
  • Warp knitting is made by machine which forms interlocking vertical loops.
  • Less stretchy so holds it shape better.

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