DEVELOPMENT IN NEW MATERIALS

Question 1

what are modern materials

Answer 1

materials that have been developed through recent advances in science and technology to have improved properties for specific applications.

Question 2

examples of modern materials

Answer 2

graphene
metal foam
liquid crystal
coated metals
nanomaterials
titanium

Question 3

what is graphene and what are its properties

Answer 3

• a single layer of carbon atoms and the thinnest material known to date#
• it is extremely strong, light and conducts heat and electricity

Question 4

what is graphene used for

Answer 4

sports equipment
cooling technology in mobile phones
batteries
solar applications
aerospace

Question 5

advantages of graphene

Answer 5

• incredibly strong: 200x stronger than steel
• excellent conductor of electricity and heat, making it useful in electronics, batteries, and solar cells.
• It is extremely lightweight and only one atom thick, making it ideal for applications where weight needs to be minimized

Question 6

what is titanium and what is it used for

Answer 6

titanium is used in the form of an alloy
it is used in missiles, space and aircraft because of its lightweight properties
unreactive

Question 7

advantages of titanium

Answer 7

very light, but strong, so it can be in wings or used for aircrafts
it is unreactive with human tissue, so it can be used in medicine as artificial joints

Question 8

properties of metal foam and the advantages of them

Answer 8

good stiffness to weight ratio and are strong
can resist deformation and can be made into complex geometrical forms
good heat resistance and sound absorption
used for weight saving and impact absorbing structures in vehicles

Question 9

what is a smart material

Answer 9

a material that changes its physical properties in response to a change in their stimuli/environment

Question 10

examples of smart materials

Answer 10

-polymorph: thermoforming polymer, can be reshaped many times. used for prototype parts and moulds

-shape memory alloy- group of materials that revert back to original shape after being deformed by heat or other stimuli, used for braces and glasses frames
-thermochromic pigments: pigments that change colour at ranges of temperature. can be incorporated into inks and printed onto plastic. baby bottles, spoons etc.
- photochromic pigment: change colour when exposed to different UV levels, eg. toys

Question 11

what is a composite material

Answer 11

a material that contains two or more different materials that are combined to create a material with improved properties and improved functionality

Question 12

examples of composite materials

Answer 12

• glass reinforced plastic: used in circuit boards, boat hulls in the marine industry and in the custom kit car market
• carbon reinforced plastic:
  thermosetting plastic. high strength to weight ratio. used in aerospace and race cars - formula one vehicle chassis and sports equipment

Question 13

what is a technical textile

Answer 13

a type of fabric that is designed and manufactured for functional purposes rather than aesthetic or fashion purposes

Question 14

what is Gore-Tex and what are the advantages of it

Answer 14

Gore-Tex is a fabric with breathable yet waterproof properties
Allows vapour produced by wearer to escape and repels water.
-keeps users dry in wet conditions, sweat to escape, keeping the wearer breathable and comfortable during physical activity: ideal for outdoor and sportswear.
- long lasting and resistant to wear and tear

Question 15

what is Kevlar and what are the advantages

Answer 15

Kevlar is a plastic fibre with high tensile strength
- used in bulletproof vests + protective clothing
-The combination of lightweight and high strength makes Kevlar an ideal material for applications that require both protection and comfort
- light weight, high strength , durable

Question 16

what is Nomex and what are the properties and advantages

Answer 16

Nomex is a fire resistant fabric, providing protection against heat and flame without melting or dripping.
- light weight and durable, making it ideal for firefighters to wear
- when exposed to heat, fibres thicken and absorb heat energy, keeping user safe

Question 17

what are microfibres and their properties and advantages

Answer 17

synthetic fibres, less than one denier thick. can be micro encapsulated, can give the fabric antibacterial properties.
can hold anti-microbial agents such as insecticides and moisturisers

Question 18

why are blended and mixed fibres used in clothing

Answer 18

to make the fabric more durable and less prone to wear and tear so it lasts longer.
reduces costs if the main fibre is expensive