Advanced materials Flashcards
What is a bio-polymer?
A polymer made from a renewable resource, like starch or cellulose.
What is a biodegradable polymer?
A polymer made from a finite resource but contains additives that cause them to degrade quicker, the degradation occurs when they are exposed to microorganisms, which convert the polymer into a natural byproduct, like water, methane or CO2.
What are the environmental factors of biodegradable polymers and bio-polymers?
Methane gas can be produced when they decompose, which is a greenhouse gas, so traps the suns heat and contribute to global warming, but far more methane is produced during the production of synthetic polymers.
There are little to no toxic residue produced when they decompose.
There are large carbon emissions from growing the crops required to produce these polymers.
What is corn starch polymer?
A bio-polymer made from high starch vegetables (corn/potatoes), and they are used to make cutlery, packaging and take-away containers.
Describe the properties and uses of carbon fibre reinforced plastic?
It is tough, hard and lightweight. Also, it is corrosion resistant and has good compressive strength. CFRP is used to make bike frames, car bodies, helmets and prosthetics.
Describe the properties and uses of glass reinforced plastic?
It has a high strength to weight ratio, is durable, tough and hard. GRP is also corrosion resistant. It is used to make water pipes, drains, boat hulls, pond liners and kayak shells.
What is a smart material?
A material that reacts to a change in their environment.
Thermo- reacts to a change in temperature.
Photo- reacts to a change in light levels.
Electro- reacts to a change in electrical current.
Piezo- reacts to a change in mechanical stress, like squeezing.
And that generates and output:
Chromic- a colour change.
Luminescent- creates light.
Electric- generates a charge.
What is kevlar?
A strong and tough material that is also lightweight. Kevlar is both cut resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Its common uses are in protective body vests, cut proof gloves and puncture resistant tyres.
What is precious metal clay?
PMC is easy to shape and form and is cheaper than solid metals.
It is used to make jewellery and other decorative items.
