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A-Level Design > Materials > Flashcards

Materials Flashcards

1
Q

What are plastics?

A

A group of materials made up of long chain molecules.

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2
Q

Give five reasons why plastics are popular in manufacturing.

A
  • Lightweight
  • Energy Insulator
  • Good strength to weight ratio
  • Corrosion resistant
  • No need for finishing
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3
Q

Give two natural materials that are used to produce semi-synthetic polymers?

A
  • Cellulose

- Casein

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4
Q

Name the three sources of synthetic plastics.

A
  • Coal
  • Oil
  • Gas
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5
Q

Which process is used to produce synthetic plastics?

A

Thermal cracking

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6
Q

Give the three types of plastic.

A
  • Thermoplastic
  • Thermoset
  • Elastomer
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7
Q

Define a thermoplastic

A

A plastic that can be repeatedly reheated and remoulded.

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8
Q

Define a thermoset plastic.

A

A plastic that undergo a chemical change making them permanently rigid.

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9
Q

Define an elastomer

A

A plastic that can be distorted and return to its original shape.

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10
Q

Name seven thermoplastics

A
  • ABS
  • Nylon
  • PP
  • HIPS
  • HDPE
  • PVC
  • PET
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11
Q

What does ABS stand for?

A

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

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12
Q

Give three properties of ABS.

A
  • High impact strength
  • Scratch resistant
  • Durable
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13
Q

Give three common uses of ABS.

A
  • Kitchen products
  • Phone cases
  • Interior car parts
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14
Q

Give two properties of Nylon.

A
  • Resistant to wear

- Low coefficient of friction

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15
Q

Give three common uses of Nylon.

A
  • Bearings
  • Gears
  • Clothing
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16
Q

What does PP stand for?

A

Polypropylene

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17
Q

Give three properties of PP.

A
  • Food safe
  • Durable
  • Easily machined
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18
Q

Give three common uses of PP.

A
  • Food containers
  • Medical equipment
  • Rope
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19
Q

What does HIPS stand for?

A

High Impact Polystyrene

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20
Q

Give two properties of HIPS.

A
  • Impact resistant

- Lightweight

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21
Q

Give two common uses of HIPS.

A
  • Toys

- Fridge linings

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22
Q

What does HDPE stand for?

A

High Density Polyethylene

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23
Q

Give two properties of HDPE.

A
  • High density

- High chemical resistance

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24
Q

What does PVC stand for?

A

Polyvinyl Chloride

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25
Q

Give two properties of PVC.

A
  • High chemical resistance

- Resistant to weathering

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26
Q

Give two common uses of PVC.

A
  • Cable insulation

- Window frames

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27
Q

What does PET stand for?

A

Polyethylene Terephthalate

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28
Q

Name three thermoset plastics.

A
  • Epoxy resin
  • Polyester resin
  • Urea formaldehyde
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29
Q

Give two properties of epoxy.

A
  • High strength when reinforced.

- Wear and chemical resistant

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30
Q

Give two common uses of epoxy.

A
  • Electronic component coverings.

- Adhesives

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31
Q

Give a common use of polyester resin.

A

-Casting for glass reinforced plastic.

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32
Q

Give two common uses of urea formaldehyde

A
  • Electrical fittings

- Adhesives

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33
Q

Give two properties of urea formaldehyde.

A
  • Rigid

- Electrical insulator

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34
Q

What is a filler?

A

A material used to increase the volume of plastic material making the overall material cheaper.

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35
Q

What is flame retardant?

A

A plastic additive designed to reduce the risk of combustion..

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36
Q

Give four examples of fillers.

A
  • Sawdust
  • Wood flour
  • Crushed quartz
  • Limestone
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37
Q

How do flame retardant additives work?

A

Once combustion has started, agents are released that stifle the combustion.

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38
Q

What is an anti-static agent?

A

An additive that prevents static building up on a product.

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39
Q

What is a plasticiser?

A

An additive that improves the flow properties of plastics making them easier to form.

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40
Q

What is a stabiliser?

A

An additive that reduces the effects of UV light.

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41
Q

What is a biodegradable plastic?

A

A plastic designed to breakdown in a biologically rich environment.

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42
Q

Give three examples of applications for biodegradable plastics.

A
  • Shopping bags
  • Drinks bottles
  • Disposable products
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43
Q

Give an example of a biodegradable plastic.

A

Polylactides (PLA)

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44
Q

What is Biopol?

A

A polymer used to make biodegradable packaging.

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45
Q

How is Biopol produced?

A

Bacteria culture

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46
Q

What are oxodegradable polymers?

A

Plastics with additives that promote short degradation times.

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47
Q

What three factors will break down oxodegradable polymers?

A
  • Heat
  • Oxygen
  • Mechanical stress
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48
Q

What causes photo-degradable polymers to break down?

A

UV light

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49
Q

What is a van der Waals bond?

A

A type of atomic bonding found in thermoplastics.

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50
Q

What does TPE stand for?

A

Thermoplastic elastomer

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51
Q

Give three uses of TPE.

A
  • Fibre optics
  • Overmoulding of grips
  • Seals
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52
Q

What does LSR stand for?

A

Liquid silicon rubber

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53
Q

What is the main advantage of LSR?

A

It can maintain its insulating and elastometric characteristics over a wide range of temperatures.

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54
Q

Give four examples of materials that can be reformed by heating.

A
  • Clay
  • Paper
  • Metal
  • Glass
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55
Q

Give two examples of materials that can’t be reformed once heated.

A
  • Cement

- House bricks

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56
Q

What is a composite?

A

A mixture of two or more different materials.

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57
Q

What does FRP stand for?

A

Fibre-reinforced polymer

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58
Q

What is a fibre reinforced polymer?

A

Composite made by combining a woven material, polymer resin and a catalyst.

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59
Q

What is a fibre reinforced composite?

A

Material made up of resin and fibre.

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60
Q

What is a particle-based composite?

A

Composites that consist solely of particles of two or more materials.

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61
Q

Define warping.

A

Deforming in timber due to uneven drying.

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62
Q

Give three materials that are used to produce reinforced polymers.

A
  • Carbon fibre
  • Kevlar
  • Glass
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63
Q

What are the three main groups of composite materials

A
  • Fibre reinforced
  • Particle based
  • Sheet based
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64
Q

Give two advantages of man-made boards.

A
  • Increased stability against warping.

- Equal strength in all directions.

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65
Q

Give four general characteristics of fibre-reinforced composites.

A
  • Good strength to weight ratio.
  • Resistant to corrosion.
  • Fatigue resistant.
  • Low thermal expansion.
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66
Q

What is the range of fibreglass gauges used for glass-reinforced plastic?

A

5μm-30μm

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67
Q

Give three examples of particle-based composites.

A
  • Cements
  • Concretes
  • Tarmac
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68
Q

Give two examples of types of cement.

A
  • Tungsten carbide

- Titanium carbide

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69
Q

Give four examples of fibre-reinforced composites.

A
  • Natural woods
  • Polymers mixed with fibres
  • Elastomers mixed with fibres
  • Concretes mixed with fibres
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70
Q

Give three examples of fibre-reinforced polymers.

A
  • GRP
  • Plastic laminates
  • Carbon fibre
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71
Q

Give four examples of man-made sheet-based composites.

A
  • Plywood
  • MDF
  • Hardboard
  • Chipboard
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72
Q

Give two common uses of plywood.

A
  • Panelling

- Furniture backs

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73
Q

Give two common uses of chipboard.

A
  • Knockdown furniture

- Kitchen worktops

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74
Q

What is Kevlar?

A

A composite made from aromatic and aramid molecules.

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75
Q

How are Kevlar fibres arranged?

A

The fibres are woven into a cloth.

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76
Q

Explain how Kevlar functions as protection.

A

All the horizontal and vertical fibres absorb some of the force of an impact.

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77
Q

Give five common uses of Kevlar.

A
  • Body protection
  • Sports equipment
  • Sails for windsurfing
  • Run-flat tyres
  • Gloves
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78
Q

Give seven properties of Kevlar.

A
  • High strength to weight ratio.
  • Low electrical conductivity.
  • High chemical resistance.
  • High toughness.
  • High cut resistance.
  • Flame resistant.
  • Self-extinguishing.
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79
Q

Give two common uses of GRP.

A
  • Vehicle bodies

- Boat hulls

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80
Q

Give three common uses of carbon fibre.

A
  • Bike frames
  • Artificial limbs
  • Car bodywork
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81
Q

Give two common uses of plastic laminates.

A
  • Gears

- Work surfaces

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82
Q

What type of loads is concrete good for?

A

Compressive loads.

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83
Q

What type of loads is concrete vulnerable to?

A

Tension

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84
Q

Give four general characteristics of particle-based composites.

A
  • High strength in compression.
  • Low strength in tension.
  • Good stability
  • Uniform structure
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85
Q

What determines the characteristics of a concrete material?

A

The ratio of constituent parts

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86
Q

Give five advantages of concrete.

A
  • Can be moulded into complex shapes.
  • Properties similar to stone.
  • Components readily extracted.
  • Can be cast in situ.
  • High strength in compression.
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87
Q

Give a disadvantage of concrete.

A

Poor strength in tension.

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88
Q

What is a cermet?

A

A mixture of metal and ceramic.

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89
Q

Give two advantages of cermets.

A
  • Resistant to high temperatures.

- Tough and shock resistant.

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90
Q

Give a disadvantage of cermets.

A

Hard to process

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91
Q

What is ALU composite made of?

A
  • 0.3mm aluminium sheet

- Polyethylene core

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92
Q

Give two advantages of using ALU.

A
  • Vibration dampening

- Thermal insulation

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93
Q

Give two advantages of using tungsten carbide on a cutting edge.

A
  • More durable

- Reduced necessity for re-sharpening

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94
Q

Give a disadvantage of using tungsten carbide on a cutting edge.

A

The blade can cut through the materials beneath the food.

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95
Q

Give two advantages of chipboard flooring.

A
  • Large areas can be covered with one sheet.

- Cost is reduced

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96
Q

Give a disadvantage of chipboard flooring.

A

Chipboard flooring has to be covered.

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97
Q

What is a monocoque?

A

Single-piece shell frame

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98
Q

What is a ferrous metal?

A

A metal that contains iron and carbon.

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99
Q

What is a non-ferrous metal?

A

A metal that doesn’t contain iron.

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100
Q

What is a ferrous alloy?

A

A mixture of two or more metals with at least one containing iron.

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101
Q

What are the three main groups of metals?

A
  • Ferrous metals
  • Non-ferrous metals
  • Alloys
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102
Q

Give two examples of types of steel.

A
  • Mild steel

- High carbon steel

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103
Q

Give five examples of non-ferrous metals.

A
  • Aluminium
  • Copper
  • Lead
  • Tin
  • Zinc
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104
Q

Give three examples of ferrous alloys.

A
  • Stainless steel
  • High speed steel
  • Die steel
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105
Q

Give three examples of non-ferrous alloys.

A
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Duralumin
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106
Q

What is the only metal found in a usable form?

A

Gold

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107
Q

Give two iron ores.

A
  • Magnetite

- Haematite

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108
Q

What percentage of Earth’s crust is made up of metal ores?

A

25%

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109
Q

What is the most common ore in Earth’s crust?

A

Aluminium ore

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110
Q

How is iron extracted from its ore?

A

Using a blast furnace.

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111
Q

Give three effects of adding carbon to iron.

A
  • The material becomes harder.
  • Toughness is reduced.
  • The material can be heat treated to increase strength and hardness.
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112
Q

How much carbon will low carbon steel contain?

A

<0.3%

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113
Q

How much carbon will high carbon steel contain?

A

0.3-1.7%

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114
Q

How much carbon will low carbon cast iron contain?

A

3.5%

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115
Q

What is the most ductile steel?

A

Low carbon (mild) steel

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116
Q

What is the most hard steel?

A

Cast iron

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117
Q

What is the most tough steel?

A

Low carbon steel

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118
Q

Give three common uses of mild steel.

A
  • Nuts & bolts
  • Car bodies
  • White good panels
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119
Q

Give two common uses of medium carbon steel.

A
  • Springs

- Gardening tools

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120
Q

Give two common uses of high carbon steel.

A
  • Hand tools

- Hole punches

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121
Q

Give two common uses of cast iron.

A
  • Brake discs

- Engines

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122
Q

What is the melting point of aluminium?

A

660°C

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123
Q

What is the melting point of copper?

A

1083°C

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124
Q

What is the melting point of gold?

A

1063°C

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125
Q

What is the melting point of lead?

A

330°C

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126
Q

Give two common uses of aluminium.

A
  • Kitchenware

- Overhead power cables

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127
Q

Give three common uses of copper.

A
  • Electrical contacts and wiring
  • Domestic piping
  • Jewellery
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128
Q

Give two common uses of gold.

A
  • Jewellery

- Electronics

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129
Q

Give a common use of lead

A

Roofing

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130
Q

Give two common uses of platinum.

A
  • Jewellery

- Thermocouple cables

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131
Q

Give two common uses of silver.

A
  • Luxury kitchenware

- Processing photographic film

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132
Q

Give two common uses of tin.

A
  • Food wrapping foil

- Coating for cans

133
Q

Give two common uses of titanium.

A
  • Surgical tools

- Joint replacements

134
Q

Give three common uses of zinc.

A
  • Galvanised steel
  • Lock mechanisms
  • Small gears
135
Q

Give a common use of duralumin.

A

Structural components for aircraft

136
Q

Give two common uses of brass.

A
  • Cast valves

- Boat fittings

137
Q

Give two common uses of bronze.

A
  • Coins

- Bearings

138
Q

Give a common use of nitinol.

A

Smart metal alloys

139
Q

Give six potential advantages of alloying metals.

A
  • Change of melting point.
  • Change of colour.
  • Increase in strength, hardness and ductility.
  • Enhanced resistance to corrosion.
  • Change of thermoelectric properties.
  • Improves flow properties.
140
Q

Which three elements is steel alloyed with to give stainless steel?

A
  • Chromium
  • Nickel
  • Magnesium
141
Q

Which three elements is steel alloyed with to give high speed steel?

A
  • Tungsten
  • Chromium
  • Vanadium
142
Q

Which three elements is steel alloyed with to give die-steels?

A
  • Chromium

- Manganese

143
Q

Which three elements is steel alloyed with to give high tensile steels?

A

Nickel

144
Q

Give a characteristic of steel.

A

Corrosion resistant

145
Q

Give a characteristic of high speed steel.

A

Very hard

146
Q

Give a characteristic of die-steels.

A

Wear-resistant

147
Q

Give a characteristic of high tensile steels.

A

Good tensile strength

148
Q

Give a common use of stainless steel.

A

Cutlery

149
Q

Give a common use of high speed steel.

A

Cutting tools

150
Q

Give a common use of die-steels.

A

Fine press tools

151
Q

Give a common use of high tensile steels.

A

Car engine components

152
Q

What is work hardening?

A

The effect of cold working a metal that causes the crystal structure to distort.

153
Q

What is duralumin?

A

An alloy containing aluminium

154
Q

What is a hardwood?

A

A timber that is deciduous and slow growing.

155
Q

What is a softwood?

A

A timber that is evergreen and quick growing.

156
Q

Define deciduous.

A

A tree that loses its leaves in autumn.

157
Q

Define evergreen.

A

A tree that doesn’t lose its leaves.

158
Q

Give four examples of hardwood.

A
  • Oak
  • Ash
  • Beech
  • Walnut
159
Q

Give three examples of softwood.

A
  • Pine
  • Spruce
  • Fir
160
Q

In what direction does wood have the greatest strength?

A

In the direction of the fibres.

161
Q

What is a wood knot?

A

A defect where a branch has started to grow.

162
Q

What is wood conversion?

A

Sawing up logs to give usable wood forms.

163
Q

What is slab sawing?

A

A form of conversion where the trunk of the tree is cut into slabs.

164
Q

What is quarter sawing?

A

A form of conversion that can prevent warping and can be used to enhance the grain.

165
Q

When do splits occur in wood?

A

When the wood is drying.

166
Q

What causes shrinkage?

A

Moisture lost in seasoning

167
Q

What causes twisting in wood?

A

A combination of a method of conversion and uneven seasoning.

168
Q

What is wood rot?

A

the breaking down of lignin resins in in woods that hold the tracheids together.

169
Q

What is a deathwatch beetle?

A

An insect responsible for the destruction of hardwoods.

170
Q

What is kiln drying?

A

A form of seasoning that uses steam in a controlled way to reduce the content of moisture in timber.

171
Q

Give three benefits of seasoning wood.

A
  • Increases the strength and stability.
  • Reduces corrosion in surrounding metalwork.
  • Makes timber less prone to rot.
172
Q

What is a green timber?

A

A timber that hasn’t been thoroughly seasoned.

173
Q

Give three uses of green timber.

A
  • Chairs
  • Fencing
  • One off structures
174
Q

What is a veneer?

A

A thin section sheet of timber that is glued to a cheaper base material.

175
Q

Give five examples of hardwoods suitable for veneers.

A
  • Beech
  • Oak
  • Ash
  • Walnut
  • Yew
176
Q

What is the general thickness of paper backed veneers?

A

0.8mm

177
Q

Give two advantages of paper backed veneers.

A
  • The veneer is unlikely to split.

- The paper prevents glue from seeping through to the surface.

178
Q

What is a laminate?

A

A material that is made up of layers.

179
Q

Give two examples of laminates.

A
  • Kitchen surfaces

- Laminate flooring

180
Q

What are the four layers of laminate flooring?

A
  • Melamine layer
  • High density fibreboard
  • Printed layer
  • Resin based overlay
181
Q

What is plywood made from?

A

Layers of hardwood veneers bonded together at 90°.

182
Q

Give six examples of man-made wood composite boards.

A
  • Plywood
  • Block board
  • Chipboard
  • MDF
  • Hardboard
  • Sterling board
183
Q

What is block board made from?

A

Strips of wood bonded together with a veneered surface.

184
Q

What is chipboard made from?

A

Fine chips mixed with resins.

185
Q

What is MDF made from?

A

Fine wood fibres mixed with resins.

186
Q

What is hardboard made from?

A

Fine wood fibres mixed with resins and impregnated with oil.

187
Q

What is sterling board made from?

A

Wood shavings compressed into resins.

188
Q

Give two examples of how IKEA ensures its products are sustainable.

A
  • They source timber from managed forests.

- They use timbers that are fast growing.

189
Q

Give two common uses of lime-soda glass.

A
  • Windowpanes

- Storage glass

190
Q

What is float glass?

A

Sheet glass produced by floating molten glass on a bath of molten tin.

191
Q

What is plate glass?

A

A glass with few impurities that is rolled and polished.

192
Q

What is cullet?

A

Glass that has been crushed into small particles ready for recycling.

193
Q

How is lime-soda glass produced?

A

A mixture of sand, lime and sodium carbonate is heated to 1500°C in a furnace.

194
Q

What type of force is glass vulnerable to?

A

Mechanical shock

195
Q

Give a benefit of using lead glass.

A

It has a greater ability to reflect light.

196
Q

Give two benefits of using boro-silicate glass.

A
  • High heat resistance

- Chemical resistant

197
Q

How is laminated glass produced?

A

Two thin sheets of glass sandwich a tough polymer.

198
Q

How does self-cleaning glass work?

A
  • A hydrophobic coating is applied to the outside.

- The material interacts with UV light to break down dirt which is washed away by rain.

199
Q

Give five advantages of using polymers over glass.

A
  • Lightweight
  • Low melting point
  • Impervious to gases
  • Can be squashed without breaking.
  • Screw tops can be used.
200
Q

Give five advantages of using glass over polymers.

A
  • More rigid
  • Scratch resistant
  • Greater clarity of light
  • Heat resistant
  • Gives a sense of quality
201
Q

Give two disadvantages of using glass.

A
  • Heavy

- High melting point

202
Q

What is fine bone china?

A

A form of clay containing ground animal bone.

203
Q

What is slip?

A

Liquid clay

204
Q

Give two common uses of alumina.

A
  • Spark plugs

- Cutting tools

205
Q

Give a common use of beryllia.

A

Nuclear reactor crucibles

206
Q

Give a common use of magnesia.

A

Furnace lining

207
Q

Give a common use of zirconia.

A

Rocket lining

208
Q

Give two useful properties of ceramics.

A
  • Heat resistant

- Resistant to erosion.

209
Q

What is a rendering?

A

Colour drawings using tones and texture to produce a realistic impression of designs.

210
Q

What are the three main textures available in watercolour papers?

A
  • Hot pressed: hard, smooth
  • Cold pressed: rough
  • Extra rough with more peaks and troughs.
211
Q

What is the purpose of bleed proof paper?

A

Prevent ink seeping through sheets.

212
Q

What does the term gloss refer to?

A

Surface lustre

213
Q

What does the term glare refer to?

A

Reflective nature of the paper

214
Q

What does the term finish refer to?

A

General surface characteristics

215
Q

What does the term smoothness refer to?

A

The absence of surface irregularities

216
Q

Give four factors that determine paper strength.

A
  • Strength of individual fibres.
  • Length of fibres
  • Strength of bonds between fibres.
  • Structure of the paper
217
Q

What is foam board?

A

A multi-layer board made with two outer layers of card.

218
Q

Give three properties of foam board.

A
  • Lightweight
  • Easily cut
  • Difficult to bend
219
Q

How are correx boards produced?

A

Extruding a thermoplastic to produce a sheet material.

220
Q

What is a smart material?

A

Materials whose physical properties change in response to an input.

221
Q

What is a modern material?

A

A material that has only been available in its current form since the 70s.

222
Q

What is a piezoelectric device?

A
  • Devices that generate electricity when loaded.

- Devices that change shape when connected to an electrical circuit.

223
Q

What is thermochromic pigment?

A

A smart material that changes colour in response to changes in temperature.

224
Q

What are liquid crystals?

A

Carbon based crystals that can have their orientation changed when an electric current is passed through them.

225
Q

How do battery test strips work?

A

The strip contains a thermochromic ink that heats up as a current passes through. If there is sufficient current, the strip will change colour.

226
Q

What are phosphorescent pigments?

A

Ceramic powders that have the ability to absorb light and then release the energy over a long period of time.

227
Q

What are shape memory alloys?

A

Metal alloys designed to remember their shape under specific conditions.

228
Q

Give an example of a shape memory alloy.

A

Nitinol

229
Q

Give three common uses of shape memory alloys.

A
  • Plating broken bones
  • Secure electrical connectors
  • Memoflex glasses
230
Q

How can the piezoelectric effect be achieved?

A

Applying an input to a quartz crystal.

231
Q

Explain how piezoelectric sensors work.

A
  • The charge produced by a crystal is proportional to the force applied.
  • A signal can be produced giving an indication of the load being applied.
232
Q

What is smart grease?

A

A material that controls how quickly two components can slide over each other.

233
Q

Give three uses of smart grease.

A
  • Retractable cup holders
  • Steering mechanisms
  • Anti-vibration mechanisms
234
Q

Define rheological

A

The way greases and fluids react to the movement between adjacent components.

235
Q

What is a smart fluid?

A

A fluid that changes from a liquid into a solid when shaken or stirred and then returns when the movement stops.

236
Q

What is electroluminescent wire?

A

A cable containing a conductor coated with phosphor and a conductor coated with semi-conductor material.

237
Q

When does electroluminescent wire glow?

A

When an a.c. current passes across the conductors.

238
Q

How do glowsticks work?

A

A chemical reaction between two liquids releases light energy.

239
Q

What is a quantum tunnelling composite?

A

Metal filled polymers that can change their conductive properties when deformed

240
Q

What is electronic smart glass?

A

A glass that can change from transparent to opaque when a voltage is applied.

241
Q

What are the three main types of electronic smart glass?

A
  • LCD
  • Electrochromic glass
  • Suspended particle glass
242
Q

How do fibre-optic cables transmit data?

A

By transmitting light as a series of pulses.

243
Q

Give an advantage of using fibre optic over copper cable.

A

Greater quantities of information can be transferred simultaneously.

244
Q

Give two advantages of using engineering timbers.

A
  • Beams can be made to fit the customer’s requirements.

- Waste timber is reduced

245
Q

What is plastic coating?

A

The process of heating a metal and then dipping it in fluidised thermoplastic giving a smooth finish.

246
Q

What two materials are usually used for plastic coating?

A
  • PET

- PP

247
Q

Give an advantage of foaming a material.

A

Foams can disperse the energy of an impact.

248
Q

What is the main characteristic of titanium?

A

High strength to weight ratio

249
Q

What is polymorph?

A

A low melting point polymer used for prototyping.

250
Q

What temperature does polymorph soften at?

A

60°C

251
Q

What is PMC?

A

Precious metal clay

252
Q

What is PMC often used for?

A

Bespoke jewellery

253
Q

What are microfibres?

A

Fine polymer based fibres

254
Q

Give an advantage of using microfibres for waterproof clothing.

A

Water vapour can pass out but water droplets are unable to pass in.

255
Q

What is micro-encapsulation?

A

Containing chemicals within microfibres.

256
Q

What is a PCM?

A

Phase change material

257
Q

What is the main purpose of PCMs?

A

Controlling body temperature

258
Q

How do PCMs work?

A

The material absorbs body heat while exercising then releases the heat when the user rests.

259
Q

What is dichroic glass?

A

A material that can reflect different wavelengths of light.

260
Q

Give three common uses of dichroic glass.

A
  • Reflective surfaces for satellites
  • Laser mirrors
  • Jewellery manufacture
261
Q

What determines the colour of light reflected by dichroic glass?

A

The metal oxide layers used in the glass.

262
Q

How is flexible MDF produced?

A

Grooves are made in the material.

263
Q

How is flexible plywood produced?

A
  • The material is made from only three layers.

- The two outer layers are an open grained timber and are much thicker than the inner core.

264
Q

What is aeroply?

A

A thin section of high quality plywood used for constructing gliders.

265
Q

What is Maplex?

A

A material like MDF without the toxic resins binding the fibres.

266
Q

What is Hexaboard?

A

An exterior quality plywood with a hard phelonic resin laminated surface embossed with hexagonal patterns.

267
Q

Give a common use of hexaboard.

A

Flooring

268
Q

How are the fibres in Maplex bonded?

A

Using high compressive forces

269
Q

What is rust?

A

The oxidation of ferrous metals due to contact with moisture.

270
Q

What is electrochemical corrosion?

A

When two materials are joined and acidic rainwater forms an electrochemical cell causing corrosion in the materials.

271
Q

Why is electrochemical corrosion slow?

A

The voltage and current are very small.

272
Q

What are the three main causes of decay in wood?

A
  • Wet rot
  • Dry rot
  • Attack by insects
273
Q

What is wet rot?

A

Decay in wood caused by alternating cycles of the timber being wet then drying.

274
Q

What is dry rot?

A

A fungal attack that breaks down the structure of the wood.

275
Q

What is woodworm?

A

An insect that attacks hard and soft wood by laying eggs in crevices leaving the larvae to eat eat its way out of the timber.

276
Q

What is the main cause of degradation in plastics?

A

UV radiation

277
Q

Give five potential purposes of an applied finish.

A
  • Protecting the material from corrosion.
  • Making the product water repellent.
  • Improved resistance to wear and fatigue.
  • Improved ability to reflect or absorb heat.
  • Improved ability to insulate energy.
278
Q

What is a self-finishing material?

A

A material that has an acceptable finish after processing.

279
Q

What is a self-coloured material?

A

A material that has an acceptable colour after processing.

280
Q

What is an applied finish?

A

The coatings applied to the surface of a material.

281
Q

What is a burr?

A

A rough edge created by a cutting process.

282
Q

What is deburring?

A

The process of removing burrs from the edge of a material.

283
Q

What is a varnish?

A

A hard transparent finish that is applied to wood.

284
Q

What is a natural barrier?

A

Protective layers close to the surface of a material.

285
Q

Give an example of a natural barrier.

A

Oxide layer found on metals

286
Q

What is blueing?

A

A method of finishing steel that involves heating the product then quenching in oil.

287
Q

Give five methods of applying barriers to metals.

A
  • Electroplating
  • Dipping
  • Spraying
  • Brushing
  • Rolling
288
Q

What is electroplating?

A

The use of electrolysis to coat a base metal with a second, more decorative metal.

289
Q

What is anodising?

A

An electrochemical process used to make the surface of aluminium more durable.

290
Q

What is enamelling?

A

The process of spraying ground glass onto metal.

291
Q

Give two methods of applying a titanium coating.

A
  • Physical vapour deposition.

- Plasma spraying

292
Q

What is powder coating?

A

Using an electrostatic charge to coat a metal product.

293
Q

What is plastic dip coating?

A

Finishing a metal based component by dipping the material into melted polymer.

294
Q

What are the four main groups of wood preservatives?

A
  • Tar oil derivatives
  • Water soluble
  • Organic solvent
  • Tanalising
295
Q

What is a wood preservative?

A

A treatment that prevents moisture entering the structure of the material.

296
Q

What is tanalising?

A

A process whereby wood is pressure treated with preservative.

297
Q

What is PMMA commonly known as?

A

Acrylic

298
Q

Which polymer is applied to lenses to prevent scratching?

A

CR39

299
Q

Give three compounds that are used for anti-reflective coatings.

A
  • Silicon dioxide
  • Aluminium oxide
  • Zirconium dioxide
300
Q

What generally determines the properties of a material?

A

The material’s structure

301
Q

Give four functional requirements of the material for a soft drinks can.

A
  • Must not be affected by acids.
  • Must not contaminate drinks.
  • Must have strength to withstand internal pressure.
  • Must be formable into the desired shape.
302
Q

Give three functional requirements of the material for an electric plug casing.

A
  • Acts as an electrical insulator.
  • Can withstand heat generated by current.
  • Sufficiently rigid and durable to withstand insertion and removal from a socket.
303
Q

Define plasticity.

A

The ability of a material to be permanently changed in shape by external forces.

304
Q

Define malleability.

A

The ability of a material to withstand deformation by compression.

305
Q

Define ductility.

A

The ability of a material to be drawn out.

306
Q

Define elasticity.

A

The ability of a material to flex when forces are applied and regain normal shape afterwards.

307
Q

Define toughness.

A

The ability of a material to withstand a sudden impact without fracture.

308
Q

Define hardness.

A

The ability of a material to resist abrasive wear and indentation.

309
Q

Define durability.

A

The ability of a material to withstand corrosion and deterioration.

310
Q

Define stability.

A

The ability of a material to resist changes due to its environment.

311
Q

Define strength.

A

The ability of a material to withstand force without breaking or permanently bending.

312
Q

Define tensile strength.

A

The ability of a material to resist stretching or pulling forces.

313
Q

Define compressive strength.

A

The ability of a material to withstand pushing forces.

314
Q

Define bending strength.

A

The ability of a material to withstand forces that attempt to bend the material.

315
Q

Define shear strength.

A

The ability of a material to resist sliding forces acting against each other.

316
Q

Define torsional strength.

A

The ability of a material to withstand twisting forces.

317
Q

Define fusibility.

A

The ability of a material to change to a liquid when heated.

318
Q

Define density.

A

Mass per unit of volume

319
Q

Define electrical conductivity.

A

The ease with which electrons can pass through a material.

320
Q

What is a semi-conductor?

A

A material that only allows current to flow under certain conditions.

321
Q

What is thermal conductivity?

A

The ease with which heat travels through the material.

322
Q

Define opaque.

A

Does not allow light to pass through.

323
Q

Define translucent.

A

Allows some light to pass through

324
Q

Define transparent.

A

Allows light to pass through.

325
Q

Give two methods of testing for hardness.

A
  • A file can be run over the material.

- A dot punch is used to create an indent.

326
Q

Give a method of testing ductility.

A

Placing the material in a vice and attempting to create a right angle bend.

327
Q

Give a method of testing tensile strength.

A

Placing samples in a vice and applying loads to them.

328
Q

Give a method of testing toughness.

A

Striking with a hammer.

A-Level Design (8 decks)

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