Developments in new materials Flashcards
What are modern materials?
A material that has been engineered to have improved properties
What are the properties of graphene?
A light and strong layer of graphite. It is a good conductor and is quite cheap
What is graphene used for?
- Tennis rackets
- aerospace applications
- flexible electronics (e.g. folding phone)
What are the properties of metal foams?
Gas-filled spaces make them lightweight but still tough, stiff and strong under compression
What are metal foams used for?
Car parts and bone implants
What are the properties of titanium?
Corrosion resistant and high strength to weight ratio
What is titanium used for?
- Bone replacements
- dental implants
- bikes
- ships
- armour
- the aerospace industry
What are the properties of LCDs?
thin, lightweight and energy efficient
What does LCD stand for?
Liquid Crystal Display
What are coated metals?
Metals coated in a different materials to alter their properties
What are some examples of coated metals?
- galvanising
- anodised aluminium (coated with iron oxide to make harder)
- PVC coating (for colours and corrosion resistance)
What are nanomaterials made up of?
Tiny particles used to improve material properties
What are some examples of nanomaterials?
- Self cleaning fabrics
- antibacterial fabrics
- carbon nanotubes (for sports equipment)
What are smart materials?
Materials that can change their properties due to external factors
What do photochromic pigments do?
Darken when exposed to specific kinds of light (usually UV)
