Composites Flashcards
what is a composite?
material with enhanced mechanical [strength] or physical [weight/size] properties
name 8 mechanical properties
tensile strength compressive strength stiffness toughness plasticity elasticity ductility malleability
name name 9 physical properties
mass weight volume density hardness electrical conductivity resistivity thermal conductivity expansion
how are composites different to traditional materials?
- create 3D forms that are impossible with traditional materials
- easier and efficient to work with
- improved properties cause improved product performance
name 8 composites
- tungston carbide
- carbon fibre reinforced plastic
- glass reinforced plastic
- aluminum composite board
- fibre cement
- concrete
- reinforced concrete
- engineered wood
what is tungsten carbide made from?
ceramic and metal [cermit]
what are the properties of tungsten carbide?
- hard
- rigid
- impact resistant
- 100x harder than steel
- can only be scratched by diamond
uses of tungsten carbide
- high speed cutting tools
- drill bits
- kitchen knives
- surgical instruments
- jewellery
what process is tungsten carbide formed by?
sintering
what are the properties of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic?
- tough
- hardwearing
- corrosion resistant
- chemical resistant
- lightweight
- stable in hot conditions
- good tensile strength
uses for CFRP
- bike frames
- sports equipment
- crash helmets
- prosthetics
- racing cars
what is Glass reinforced plastic [carbon fibre] made from?
glass fibers and a thermosetting plastic [polyester or epoxy resin]
what are the properties of GRP?
- lightweight
- high compressive strength
- high tensile strength
- UV and corrosion resistant
uses of GRP?
-complex 3D shapes like boats, car bodies, panels, sports equipment
difference and similarity between GRP and CFRP?
- both formed by layering on moulds
- CFRP labour intensive
- GRP is cheaper
what is aluminum composite board?
composite sheet material with a polymer core [polyethylene] faced with a thin sheet of aluminum
what are the properties of aluminum composite board?
- easy to form and cut
- durable
- stable
- lightweight
- corrosion resistant
- range of colours and finishes
- DOESN’T react to weather changes [expand]
uses of aluminum composite board
- signage
- architectural cladding
- wall panels
- high quality UV printing
what is fibre cement?
building material made from cement and toxic asbestors fibres [now cellulose or synthetic fibres]
what are the properties of fibre cement?
- durable
- lightweight
- resistant to rust, chemicals, weather and insects
- vapor permeable [reduces condensation]
- thermal and noise insulator
how is fibre cement suited to building?
- smooth and sleek finish
- large sheets [easy to work with]
- create patterns
- textured
what ingredients make cement? [5]
- air
- cement
- water
- sand
- gravel
properties of cement
- heavy
- durable
- high compressive strength
- resistant to mould, moisture or pests
- thermal insulator
- low cost and maintenance
- fire resistant
what are the properties of reinforced concrete?
- strong under tension
- lasts longer
- steel expands and contracts at the same rate as concrete
- can make complex and tall structures
what is reinforced concrete reinforced with?
steel
uses of reinforced concrete
- high rise buildings
- bridges
- multi story carparks
what puts concrete under strain?
high winds and earthquakes
what is engineered wood?
wood- based composite designed to enhance the properties of natural timber
what is engineered wood made out of?
wood sheets, chips and powders with a bonding agent
what is engineered flooring made from and its properties?
plywood and hardwood veneer
- -stable
- durable
- natural aesthetic
what is added to particle boards to make a hard wearing finish?
melamine formaldehyde
what is glulam made from?
layers of laminated timber over a mould
uses of glulam
alternative to steel
- beams
- bridges
- archways
