Developments in new materials Flashcards
what are modern materials
materials that have been developed with a specific application in mind
Graphene properties and uses
- single sheet of carbon, honeycomb structure
- thin layer of graphite
- light and strong
- great heat and electricity conductor
- used in tennis rackets
made in 2004
Metal foams properties and uses
- is a metal ( e.g. aluminium and titanium ) that contains many gas - filled spaces, making them lightweight
- tough
- strong under compression
- developed in 1940
- used in lightweight car parts and bone implants
Titanium properties and uses
- light grey
- corrosion - resistant
- high strength to weight ratio
- easily formed
- used in CAD/ CAM to reduce machine costs, bikes, ships, armour
how else can modern materials be developed
by altering an existing material material to perform a particular function
LCD ( Liquid Crystal Display ) properties and uses
- lightweight
- thin
- energy efficient
- the liquid crystals in the display are made with a mixture of chemicals, when voltage is applied, it changes colour
- used in flat screen TV, computer screens
Coated metal properties and uses
- iron and steel can be galvanised ( coated with zinc) to prevent rusting)
- makes metals corrosion - resistant, e.g. nickel plated steel
- can be coated with PVC to make it corrosion resistant and give it ability to be coloured
what are Nanomaterial’s made of
made up of tiny particles (nanoparticles)
Carbon nanotubes properties and uses
- high strength to weight ratio
- good conductors of heat and electricity
- can be added to a material to strengthen it without adding much weight
- used in tennis rackets and electronics
Self- cleaning nanoparticles
- have nanoparticle coating that removes odours and stains upon exposure to light
antibacterial fabrics nanoparticles
- use nanoparticles of silver to kill bacteria
- used in medical settings, e.g. face masks and dressings
- also used in anti - bacterial toys and odour free socks
what is a smart material
a material that reacts to the environment or an external output and its change is temporary e.g. light, heat, electricity
what does thermo and chromo mean
heat, colour
Properties and uses of thermochromic pigments
- inks used in colour changing products
- react to temperature, when temperature changes, it changes colour
- when it goes back to its original temperature, object returns to original colour
- Used in kettles, baby spoons, thermometer strips
Photochromic pigments properties and uses
- change colour depending on its exposure to light
- can be put into spectacle lenses to make sunglasses which go darker when in sunlight (takes 2 minutes to lighten)
- can be used in torches and shirts with designs which only show up in the sun
SMA (Shape memory alloy) properties and uses
- alloys that remember their original shape, can be shaped when cool but return to original shape when its heated above a certain temperature
- used in nitinol glasses, shaped with a jig at 540 but will return to normal shape when reheated to 70 degrees
- also used in braces
What are composite materials
materials that are made from two or more different materials bonded together, creating improved properties and better function
e.g. glass reinforced plastic, carbonfibre reinforced plastic
Glass reinforced plastics properties and uses
- made from glass fibres coated in a thermosetting plastic resin
- stronger and tougher than plastic itself
- heat resistant
- corrosion resistant
- easy to mould into complex shapes
- used in boats, kayaks, surfboards
Carbonfibre reinforced fibre properties and uses
- made from carbonfibres coated in a thermosetting plastic resin
- lighter, tougher, stronger than GRP, but more expensive
- used in protective helmets, racing cars, sports equipment
What are technical textiles
enhanced fabrics which are designed purely to be functional rather than look good
Kevlar (Poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide) properties and uses
- strong
- hard wearing
- woven texture from fine to coarse weave
- non- flammable
- impact resistant
- used in bulletproof vests, helmets, tyres, motorcyclist clothing
