Materials general Flashcards
Woods can be split into three categories, what are there names and the differences between them?
Hardwoods, softwoods and man-made woods.
Hardwoods are a more expensive but usually tougher and harder.
Softwoods are cheaper as they grow faster but are usually weaker and softer.
Man-made woods are usually recycled wood held together with a glue. they are weak but very cheap.
What is an alloy? name an example.
An alloy is a combination of two or more metals or a metal and carbon. Some examples are: Solder, Brass, Steel and Bronze.
What are ferrous metals?
Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron. Iron and steel are the main types.
What is an ‘Aggregate’
A filler material. Usually a cheap material used to increase volume. For example: Rocks or pebbles use in concrete.
What is the difference between ‘Thermoplastics’ and ‘Thermorsetting plastics’ ?
Thermoplastics can be reshaped using heat after they have been set. Thermosetting plastics cannot. Thermosetting plastics are far better at resisting heat and are used in places where that is important eg: plug sockets or kettles.
What is ‘Oxidisation’?
When a material reacts with oxygen in the air. In iron this is called rust and can weaken the structure/material over time.
What is an ‘Adhesive’?
A glue. A chemical compound that can be applied as a liquid but will cure and harden over time.
What is a ‘Ceramic’?
A material with a base made from clays or similar substances.
