Material structure Flashcards
What are the three parts that make up an atom?
Proton, Neutron, Electron
Protons are positive particles, neutrons are neutral particles, and electrons are negative particles that orbit the nucleus.
Define an element.
Pure substances which are composed of only one type of atom
Elements are classified as metals, non-metals, or metalloids.
Define a compound.
Substances formed by two or more different elements united chemically in fixed proportions
Compounds can be classified according to their bonds: ionic, molecular, or metallic.
How many elements are there currently, and how many occur naturally on Earth?
Nearly 118 elements, with nearly 94 occurring naturally on Earth.
How are elements represented?
By symbols and numbers, e.g., sodium is represented by Na.
How are compounds represented?
By their chemical formulae, e.g., salt is represented by NaCl.
Can elements be broken down by chemical reactions?
No, elements cannot be broken down by chemical reactions.
What are the three primary types of atomic bonding?
Covalent bonding, Ionic bonding, Metallic bonding.
What occurs in covalent bonding?
Atoms of non-metallic elements share electrons.
Describe ionic bonding.
Occurs between metals and non-metals where valence electrons are transferred.
What is a metallic bond?
Metal atoms share electrons in their outer shell with other metal atoms.
What are Van der Waals bonds?
Forces that occur in all materials, particularly important in plastics and polymers.
What determines the state of a metal?
The conditions of temperature and pressure.
What is a polymer composed of?
Many simple molecules called monomers.
What is the structure of ceramics primarily composed of?
Ionic and covalent bonds.
What characterizes a crystalline structure?
Constituent particles arranged in a three-dimensional pattern called the crystal lattice.
What characterizes an amorphous structure?
Shapeless, disordered arrangement of particles with no defined edges.
List key features of crystalline structures.
- Ordered alignment
- Tightly bound
- Uniform intermolecular force
- Repeated pattern
- Geometric shape.
List key features of amorphous structures.
- Random alignment
- Loosely bound
- No defined edges
- Non-crystalline structure.
Define a composite.
Made by physically combining two or more materials to produce a combination of structural properties.
What are the two phases in composite materials?
- Dispersed phase
- Continuous phase.
What are fibre reinforced polymer composites also known as?
Polymer matrix composites (PMCs).
Name the types of fibre reinforced polymer composites.
- Carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs)
- Glass fibre reinforced polymer composites (GFRPs)
- Aramid fibre reinforced polymer composites (AFRPs).
What are particle reinforced composites (PRCs)?
Composites that involve large or small particle reinforcement.
