Engineering ceramics and composites Flashcards
1
Q
What is the source of silicon carbide?
A
Silica sand (containing silicon) and carbon in a furnace
2
Q
Forms of supply of silicon carbide
A
Fine powder or bonded mass
3
Q
Properties of silicon carbide
A
- High melting point
- Good thermal conductivity
- Hard
- Semiconductor
- Corrosion resistant
4
Q
Uses of silicon carbide
A
- Car brakes
- Certain seals and bearings
- LEDs
- Parts for rocket engines; gas turbine components
5
Q
Source of tungsten carbide
A
1:1 tungsten and carbon
6
Q
Forms of supply of tungsten carbide
A
Fine grey powder
can be formed into shapes by sintering
7
Q
Properties of tungsten carbide
A
- High strength
- Rigid & extremely hard
- Resistant to deformation, deflection and impact; twice as stiff as steel
- High density
- Heat resistance
- Good conductivity
- Quite inert
8
Q
Common applications of tungsten carbide
A
- Cutting tools and tips for machining, mining and drilling
- Neutron reflector in nuclear reactors
- Surgical instruments
9
Q
Source of borosilicate glass
A
- Silica sand
- Boric oxide
- Soda ash
- Alumina (aluminium oxide)
10
Q
Forms of supply of borosilicate glass
A
- Rod
- Tube
Moulded and processed into custom shapes and sizes
11
Q
Properties of borosilicate glass
A
- Low thermal expansion coefficient
- High strength
- Chemical stability (very high corrosion resistance)
12
Q
Uses of borosilicate glass
A
- Laboratory glassware
- Cookware eg beakers
- Syringes (medical)
- Optical equipment eg lenses for microscopes (due to stability)
13
Q
Source of glass reinforced plastic
A
Glass fibre embedded in a polymer
14
Q
Form of supply of GRP
A
- Sheet
- Fabric
15
Q
Typical properties of fibreglass
A
- Low density
- Very strong (high strength-to-weight vs many metals; much better than steel)
- Design flexibility
- Chemically inert; durable
- High impact resistance without permanent deformation (tough)
