Developments in New Materials

Question 1

What are the properties of Graphene?

Answer 1

Transparent
Very strong
Light
Heat and electrical conductor

Question 2

What do we use graphene for?

Answer 2

Protective equipment and clothing
Mixed with paint to protect materials from corrosion
Ideal for use in solar cells

Question 3

What are the properties of metal foams?

Answer 3

Lightweight
Strong under compression
Absorb energy well
Low, thermal conductivity

Question 4

What are the uses of metal foams?

Answer 4

Prosthetics
Soundproofing
Crash protection in vehicles

Question 5

What are the properties of titanium?

Answer 5

High strength to weight ratio
Corrosion resistant
Can withstand extreme temperatures
Expensive

Question 6

What are the uses of titanium?

Answer 6

Prosthetics
Aircraft and spacecraft
Often alloyed with other metals

Question 7

What is the purpose of coated metals?

Answer 7

By coating a metal with another material, the strength and resistance to corrosion is increased.

Question 8

What are liquid crystal displays used for?

Answer 8

They are flat panel displays that use liquid crystals to control light emission and create images. When voltage is applied they change shape and allow different levels of light to pass through.

Question 9

What are nano materials and what are they useful?

Answer 9

Nano materials contain particles less than 100 and nano meters in size, and they have different properties to larger particles of the same material. They have a large surface area to volume ratio, which can improve properties such as strength, conductivity, and reactivity.

Question 10

What are shape memory alloys?

Answer 10

SMAs a metal alloys with memory properties. They can return to their original shape after being deformed by heating or applying an electric current.

Question 11

What are thermochromic pigments?

Answer 11

Thermochromic materials, change colour in response to changes in temperature. The liquid crystals within the material reorientate as the temperature changes causing a change in colour.

Question 12

What are photochromic pigments?

Answer 12

Photochromic materials, change colour in response to changes in light levels. These can be used in glasses, so that the lenses get lighter or darker, depending on light levels

Question 13

What is glass reinforced plastic?

Answer 13

GRP combines glass fibre is in the thermosetting plastic, creating a lightweight, strong and resistant material that is used in boat hulls and car bodies

Question 14

What is carbon reinforced plastic?

Answer 14

CRP combined carbon fibre is with a thermosetting plastic. It is more rigid, stronger and lighter than GRP, but it is also more expensive and brittle.

Question 15

What is Kevlar?

Answer 15

Kevlar is a strong, synthetic textile with a high tensile strength weight ratio and is often used in protective armour

Question 16

What are conductive textiles?

Answer 16

Metal fibres are either spun into the fabric or metal-based powders are impregnated into it to create a material that conducts electricity.

Question 17

What are fire resistant fabrics?

Answer 17

Fire resistant fabrics such as Nomex have flame resistance built into the chemical structures to protect the wearer.

Question 18

What are microfibres?

Answer 18

Micro fibre is extremely find synthetic fibres that can be micro-encapsulated to incorporate tiny capsules that contains substances, such as therapeutic oils and insecticides overtime the capsules rupture releasing the contents. They are breathable and durable, so are often used in sports clothing.