1.6 - Materials and their Working Properties Flashcards
What is the difference between a material’s physical and working properties?
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.
What are some different physical properties?
- Absorbency
- Density
- Electrical conductivity
- Fusibility
- Thermal conductivity
What is absorbency? (Physical property)
The ability of a material to soak up or draw in heat, light or moisture.
What is density? (Physical property)
The mass, per unit volume of any material. How solid a material is.
What is ‘electrical conductivity’? (Physical property)
The measure at which a material can transport electricity.
What is fusibility? (Physical property)
The ability of a material to be converted from a solid to a fluid state by heat and combined with another material.
What is thermal conductivity? (Physical property)
The measure of a material’s ability to transfer heat.
What are some different working properties?
- Ductility
- Elasticity
- Hardness
- Malleability
- Strength
- Toughness
What is ductility? (Working property)
The ability of a material to be stretched or drawn or pulled without breaking.
What is elasticity? (Working property)
The ability to return to its original shape after stretching or compression.
What is hardness? (Working property)
The ability to withstand impact, wear, abrasion and indentation.
What is malleability? (Working property)
The ability to be bent and shaped without cracking or splitting.
What is strength? (Working property)
The ability to withstand a force such as pressure, compression, tension or shear.
What is toughness? (Working property)
The ability to absorb shock without fracturing.
Exam Style Question:
Describe the difference between toughness and hardness.
[2]
- 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
The weight of paper is measured in…
- Grams per square metre (GSM).
- Common weights range from 60-170gsm.
What are some different types of paper?
- Layout
- Outline
- Cartridge
- Bleed proof
- Grid
What are the properties and uses of layout paper? (Paper)
- Properties: Medium opacity sheet with a smooth finish. 60-90 gsm.
- Uses: Sketch and design work.
What are the properties and uses of tracing paper? (Paper)
- Properties: Off white, low opacity sheet. 60-90 gsm.
- Uses: Copying overlays and tracing drawings.
What are the properties and uses of cartridge paper? (Paper)
- Properties: Thick white paper with a textured surface. 120-150 gsm.
- Uses: Sketching, watercolours, ink drawings.
What are the properties and uses of bleed-proof paper? (Paper)
- Properties: Thick, coated paper that prevents inks or marker pens from bleeding. 120-150 gsm.
- Uses: High quality illustrations with colour richness and vibrancy.
What are the properties and uses of grid paper? (Paper)
- Properties: White paper with a printed grid of squares, isometric lines or other patterns. 80-100 gsm.
- Uses: Scale drawings, model making, scientific diagrams.
What are some different types of cards and boards?
- Corrugated
- Foil-lined
- Duplex
- Foam core
- Ink jet
- Solid white
What are the properties and uses of corrugated card? (Card and board)
- Properties: Two layers of lightweight card containing a fluted layer for strength. Fully degradable and recyclable.
- Uses: Packaging for impact protection and
Insulation.
What are the properties and uses of foil-lined board? (Card and board)
- Properties: Card coated with aluminium foil on one side. Foil retains heat keeping contents warm and creates a moisture barrier.
- Uses: Takeaway containers.
What are the properties and uses of duplex board? (Card and board)
- 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.
What are the properties and uses of foam core board? (Card and board)
- Properties: An inner foam core with a paper face. Rigid and stiff.
- Uses: Model making and mounting artworks.
What are the properties and uses of inkjet card? (Card and board)
- Properties: Treated card with smooth finish and bleed proof printable surface.
- Uses: Printing photographs and artworks.
What are the properties and uses of solid white board? (Card and board)
- Properties: High quality card, brilliant white smooth finish on both sides.
- Uses: Greetings cards, quality packaging and book covers.
What are hardwoods and deciduous trees?
- 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.
What are some examples of hardwoods?
- Ash
- Beech
- Mahogany
- Balsa
- Oak
What are the properties and uses of ash? (Hardwood)
- Properties: Flexible, tough and shock resistant, laminates well. Pale brown.
- Uses: Sports equipment and tool handles.
What are the properties and uses of beech? (Hardwood)
- Properties: Fine finish, tough and durable. Beige with pink hue.
- Uses: Children’s toys and models, furniture, veneers.
What are the properties and uses of mahogany? (Hardwood)
- Properties: Easily worked, durable and finishes well. Reddish brown.
- Uses: High end furniture and joinery, veneers.
What are the properties and uses of balsa? (Hardwood)
- Properties: Very soft and spongy. good strength to weight ratio. Pale cream/white.
- Uses: Prototyping and modelling.
What are the properties and uses of oak? (Hardwood)
- Properties: Tough, hard and durable, high quality finish possible. Light brown.
- Uses: Flooring, furniture, railway sleepers, veneers.
What are softwoods and coniferous trees?
- 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.
What are some examples of softwoods?
- Pine
- Spruce
- Larch
What are the properties and uses of pine? (Softwood)
- Properties: Lightweight, easy to work, can split and be resinous near knots. Pale yellowish brown.
- Uses: Interior construction, furniture.
What are the properties and uses of spruce? (Softwood)
- Properties: Easy to work, high stiffness to weight ratio. Creamy white.
- Uses: Construction, furniture and musical instruments.
What are the properties and uses of larch? (Softwood)
- 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.
Exam Style Question:
Give two differences between hardwood and softwood.
[2]
- Hardwood comes from deciduous trees.
- Softwood comes from coniferous trees.
- Deciduous trees are usually slower growing which makes the wood denser.
What are manufactured boards?
- 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.
What are some examples of manufactured boards?
- Chipboard
- Medium density fibreboard (MDF)
- Plywood
What are the properties and uses of chipboard? (Manufactured board)
- 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.
What are the properties and uses of medium density fibreboard (MDF)? (Manufactured board)
- 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,
What are the properties and uses of plywood? (Manufactured board)
- 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.
What are the properties of ferrous metals?
- 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)
What are some different ferrous metals?
- Cast iron
- Low carbon / mild steel
- High carbon steel
What are the properties and uses of cast iron? (Ferrous metal)
- Properties: Hard but brittle. Resists deformation and rust.
- Uses: Kitchen pans, machine bases, manhole covers.
What are the properties and uses of low carbon / mild steel? (Ferrous metal)
- Properties: Tough and ductile. Rusts easily if not protected.
- Uses: Car bodies, steel building frames, pipelines.
What are the properties and uses of high carbon steel? (Ferrous metal)
- Properties: Hard, but brittle. Hard wearing, resists abrasion and retains its shape.
- Uses: Tools, blades, scissors.
What are the properties of non-ferrous metals?
- 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.
What are some different non-ferrous metals?
- Zinc
- Copper
- Aluminium
- Tin
What are the properties and uses of zinc? (Non-ferrous metal)
- Properties: Brittle, yet malleable. High corrosion resistance.
- Uses: Used to galvanise steel.
What are the properties and uses of copper? (Non-ferrous metal)
- Properties: Ductile and malleable. Good electrical conductor.
- Uses: Plumbing supplies, electrical cables.
What are the properties and uses of aluminium? (Non-ferrous metal)
- Properties: Lightweight, ductile, resists corrosion.
- Uses: Bike frames, drinks cans, takeaway trays.
What are the properties and uses of tin? (Non-ferrous metal)
- Properties: Malleable and ductile, high corrosion resistance. Good electrical conductor.
- Uses: Solder, plating surfaces such as cans.
What is an alloy?
- 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.
Why are alloys normally harder than pure metals?
- 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.
What are some examples of alloys
- High speed steel
- Stainless steel
- Brass
The composition of high speed steel may include:
- Chromium Molybdenum
- Tungsten Vanadium
- Cobalt Carbon
The composition of stainless steel includes:
- Low carbon 0.03-0.08%
- Chromium 10.5-26%
The composition of brass includes:
- Copper: 65%
- Zinc: 35%
What are the properties and uses of high speed steel? (Alloy)
- Properties: Can withstand high temperatures when machining at high speed.
- Uses: Cutting tools such as drill bits, mill cutters, taps and dies.
What are the properties and uses of stainless steel? (Alloy)
- Properties: Hard, ductile. Rust resistant.
Chromium layer protects steel from corrosion - Uses: Cutlery, kitchen and medical equipment.
What are the properties and uses of brass? (Alloy)
- Properties: Malleable and easily cast
Good corrosion resistance. - Uses: Musical instruments, plumbing fitments and ornate artefacts.
What are plastics?
- Plastics are mainly synthetic materials made from polymers traditionally derived from finite petrochemical resources.
- Naturally occurring plastics include amber and rubber.
What are the properties of thermoforming polymers?
- 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.
What are the properties of thermosetting polymers?
- 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.
What are some examples of thermoforming polymers?
- Polypropylene (PP)
- High density polyethylene (HDPE)
- High impact polystyrene (HIPS)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
- Acrylic (PMMA)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
What are the properties and uses of polypropylene (PP)? (Thermoforming polymer)
- Properties: Flexible, tough, lightweight, food safe.
- Uses: Kitchen, medical products, rope.
What are the properties and uses of high density polyethylene (HDPE)? (Thermoforming polymer)
- Properties: Lightweight, strong, rip and chemical resistant.
- Uses: Milk bottles, pipes, crates, wheelie bins.
What are the properties and uses of high impact polystyrene (HIPS)? (Thermoforming polymer)
- Properties: Flexible, impact resistant, lightweight, can be food safe, can be vacuum formed easily.
- Uses: Yoghurt pots, CD cases, vacuum formed products.
What are the properties and uses of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)? (Thermoforming polymer)
- Properties: Light, strong and tough. Blow moulds easily, chemically resistant and fully recyclable.
- Uses: Drinks bottles, food containers, yarn.
What are the properties and uses of acrylic (PMMA)? (Thermoforming polymer)
- Properties: Tough but brittle when thin. Easily scratched, formed and bonded. Resists weather well.
- Uses: Car lights, alternative to glass, modern baths, clothing.
What are the properties and uses of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)? (Thermoforming polymer)
- Properties: Flexible, durable, easily extruded, tough and resistant to chemicals. Good electrical insulator.
- Uses: Raincoats, pipes, electrical tape and insulation for electrical cables.
What are some examples of thermosetting polymers?
- Polyester resin (PR)
- Epoxy resin (ER)
- Urea formaldehyde (UF)
- Phenol formaldehyde (PF)
- Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
What are the properties and uses of polyester resin (PR)? (Thermosetting polymer)
- 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.
What are the properties and uses of epoxy resin (ER)? (Thermosetting polymer)
- Properties: Good strength to weight ratio, good electrical insulator, heat resistant, durable, extra-strong adhesive.
- Uses: Bonding waterproof coatings, electronic circuit boards.
What are the properties and uses of urea formaldehyde (UF)? (Thermosetting polymer)
- 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.
What are the properties and uses of phenol formaldehyde (PF)? (Thermosetting polymer)
- Properties: Rigid, brittle, heat resistant and a good electrical insulator. Easily injection moulded.
- Uses: Heat resistant handles, electrical components, snooker balls.
What are the properties and uses of melamine formaldehyde (MF)? (Thermosetting polymer)
- Properties: Lightweight, hard but brittle. Food safe.
- Uses: Worktops, surfaces, some kitchenware.
Compare the structures of thermoforming and thermosetting polymers?
- 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.
Natural fibres are made from plant- or animal-based fibres and are renewable.
What are some examples of natural fibres?
- Cotton
- Silk
- Wool
What are the properties and uses of cotton? (Natural fibres)
Sourced from cotton plant.
- Properties: Soft, strong, absorbent. Washes and takes dyes well.
- Uses: Range of clothing, towels, bed sheets.
What are the properties and uses of silk? (Natural fibres)
Sourced from silkworm cocoon.
- Properties: Soft, fine, lightweight. Natural shine due to its triangular structure.
- Uses: Luxury clothing, underwear, ties, wall hangings, night clothes.
What are the properties and uses of wool? (Natural fibres)
Sourced from sheep, goats, rabbits, camelids.
- Properties: Warm, naturally crease resistant, can shrink.
- Uses: Jumpers, coats, suits, blankets, carpets.
Synthetic fibres are made from chemically produced polymers.
What are some examples of synthetic fibres?
- Polyamide (Nylon)
- Elastane (Lycra)
- Polyester
What are the properties and uses of polyamide (Nylon)? (Synthetic fibres)
- Properties: Strong and hard wearing, resists creasing.
- Uses: Rope, webbing, parachutes, sportswear, umbrellas.
What are the properties and uses of elastane (Lycra)? (Synthetic fibres)
- Properties: Smooth, strong and elastic or stretchy. Retains its shape and quick drying.
- Uses: Sportswear, swimwear, surgical supports.
What are the properties and uses of polyester? (Synthetic fibres)
- Properties: Tough, strong, hard wearing, non-absorbent.
- Uses: Fleece, backpacks, threads, sportswear.
What are blended fibres?
Blended and mixed fibres combine two or more types of fibre to produce a fabric with useful properties.
What is an example of a fabric made from blended fibres?
Polycotton
What are the properties and uses of polycotton? (Blended fibres)
- Properties: Durable and stronger than pure cotton. Reduces creasing.
- Uses: Clothing and bed sheets.
How are the yarns of a woven cloth arranged?
- 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.
What are the properties and uses of a plain weave? (Woven cloth arrangement)
- Properties: Strong, hard-wearing, retains shape. Even surface on both sides. Different yarns can create hard wearing weave.
- Uses: Tablecloths, upholstery, clothing.
What are non-woven fabrics?
Non-woven fabrics are made directly from fibres without being spun into yarns.
What are some examples of non-woven fabrics?
- Bonded fabric
- Felted fabric
What are the properties and uses of bonded fabric? (Non-woven fabric)
- 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.
What are the properties and uses of felted fabric? (Non-woven fabric)
- Properties: Can be formed with moisture and heat, once dry it has no elasticity and can be pulled apart.
- Uses: Hats, handicrafts, protective pads.
What is knitting?
- Knitting is a technique of interlocking yarn loops together to produce a fabric.
- Used for jumpers, socks, tights, and soft toys.
What is weft knitting?
- 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.
What is warp knitting?
- Warp knitting is made by machine which forms interlocking vertical loops.
- Less stretchy so holds it shape better.
