materials - properties and uses

Question 1

Acrylic PMMA thermoforming Polymer

Answer 1

Hard, excellent optical quality, good resistance to weathering, scratches easily and can be brittle, excellent thermal and electrical insulator, good polymerity when heated Uses: Car light units, bath tubs, shop signage, displays.

Question 2

Low Density Polythene LDPE thermoforming Polymer

Answer 2

Tough, flexible, easily molded, waterproof and suitable for all moulding techniques, excellent thermal and electrical insulator, good polymerity when heated Uses: Carrier bags, bin liners, washing up liquid bottles.

Question 3

High Density Polythene HDPE thermoforming Polymer

Answer 3

Hard, stiff, excellent chemical resistance, good tensile strength, excellent thermal and electrical insulator, good polymerity when heated Uses: Milk crates and wheelie bins, washing up bowls, buckets, pipes.

Question 4

Polystyrene PS thermoforming Polymer

Answer 4

Food safe polymer, Uses: Disposable plates and cutlery

Question 5

Expanded Polystyrene EPS thermoforming Polymer

Answer 5

Lightweight, white molded foam, easy to mould, good impact resistance, excellent thermal insulator Uses: Packaging such as TV and monitors.

Question 6

Polypropylene PP thermoforming Polymer

Answer 6

Tough, good heat and chemical resistance, lightweight, Can be used where a plastic hinge is needed, excellent resistance to fatigue, excellent thermal and electrical insulator, good polymerity when heated, good polymerity when heated Uses: Toys, DVD cases, food packaging film, bottle caps, medical equipment.

Question 7

Polyvinyl Chloride PVC thermoforming Polymer

Answer 7

Excellent thermal and electrical insulator, good polymerity when heated, hard and tough, good chemical and weather resistance, low cost, can be rigid or flexible, good tensile strength. Uses: Rainwater pipes and guttering

Question 8

Melamine Formaldehyde MF Thermosetting Polymer

Answer 8

Stiff, hard, strong, excellent resistance to heat, scratching and staining, excellent thermal and electrical insulator. Uses: Picnic crockery, kitchen worktop laminates

Question 9

Urea Formaldehyde UF Thermosetting Polymer

Answer 9

Stiff, hard, Hardwearing, durable, non-conductor of electricity, will not change it shape if it becomes hot Uses: Extensively used in the manufacture of electrical fittings such as electrical plug and socket.

Question 10

Polyester Resin PR Thermosetting Polymer

Answer 10

Used to bond stands of glass fibres to produce, tough, waterproof mouldings. Uses: Hull of a yacht

Question 11

Epoxy Resins ER Thermosetting Polymer

Answer 11

Excellent thermal and electrical insulator, good chemical and wear resistance, can be brittle. Commonly found in the school workshop Uses: Used as a adhesive (glue) such as Alaldite

Question 12

manufactured polymer fibre - Polyester

Answer 12

Strong when wet and ry, flame resistant (will melt), thermoforming, hardwearing, poor absorbency, crease resistant. Uses: Very versatile fabric with a huge number of applications.

Question 13

manufactured polymer fibre - Nylon (polyamide)

Answer 13

Strong, hardwearing, melts as it burns, thermoforming, good elasticity, poor absorbency, resistant to chemicals and perspiration Uses: Clothing, carpets, rugs, seat belts, ropes, tents, rucksacks.

Question 14

manufactured polymer fibre - Polypropylene

Answer 14

Thermoforming with a low melting point, strong, crease resistant, non-absorbent, resistant to chemicals, hardwearing and durable. Uses: Engineered for specific uses, carpet backing, sacks, webbing, twine, medical uses.

Question 15

manufactured polymer fibre - Acrylic

Answer 15

Strong except when wet, thermoforming, burns slowly then melts, poor absorbency, good insulator. Uses: Knitwear, fake fur products including toys, upholstery.

Question 16

manufactured polymer fibre - Elastane, Lycra

Answer 16

Very elastic and stretchy, lightweight, strong, hardwearing. Uses: Clothing, swimwear, sportswear.

Question 17

manufactured polymer fibre - Aramid Fibres

Answer 17

Engineered for strength and heat resistance, no melting point, 5x stronger than nylon, resistance to abrasion, low shrinkage, ease of care. Uses: Flame resistant clothing, protective clothing, accessories, armour, geotextiles.

Question 18

natural polymer fibre - Cotton (plant)

Answer 18

Absorbent, strong, cool to wear, hardwearing, creases easily, smooth, easy to care for, flammable, can shrink. Uses: Clothing, sewing and knitting threads, soft furnishings, medical dressings, bed sheets, canvas, car tyre cords.

Question 19

natural polymer fibre - Linen (plant)

Answer 19

Strong, cool to wear, absorbent, hardwearing, creases very easily, has a natural appearance, handles well, flammable. Uses: Lightweight summer clothing, soft furnishings, table linen

Question 20

natural polymer fibre - Hemp (plant)

Answer 20

Absorbent, non-static, anti-bacterial, naturally lustrous, strong Uses: Clothing, carpets, rugs, ropes, mattress filling

Question 21

natural polymer fibre - Jute (plant)

Answer 21

Very absorbent, high tensile strength, anti-static Uses: Bags, sacking, carpets, geo textiles, yarn and twine, upholstery.

Question 22

natural polymer fibre - Silk (animal - insect)

Answer 22

Absorbent, comfortable to wear, can be cool or warm to wear, strong when dry, has a natural sheen, creases, good feel. Uses: Luxury clothing and lingerie, knitwear, soft furnishings

Question 23

natural polymer fibre - Wool (animal)

Answer 23

Warm ,absorbent, low flammability, good elasticity, crease resistant, strong, shrinks easily. Uses: Warm outer clothing including coats, jackets, suits, knitwear, carpets, blankets.

Question 24

Ferrous metals -Cast iron - Iron and 3.5% carbon

Answer 24

Hard, can be brittle, strong compressive strength, poor resistance to corrosion, 1200 degree melting point, good electrical and thermal conductivity, cheap Uses: Metal work vice in the workshop. Car brakes discs, cylinder blocks, manhole covers.

Question 25

Ferrous metals -Mild steel - Iron and 0.15-0.35% carbon

Answer 25

Good tensile strength, tough, malleable, poor resistance to corrosion, 1500 degree melting point, good electrical and thermal conductivity, cheap Uses: RSJs and girders (used in construction of buildings), car bodies, nuts, bolts, screws.

Question 26

Ferrous metals -medium -carbon steel Iron and 0.35-0.7% carbon

Answer 26

Good tensile strength, tougher and harder than mild steel, poor resistance to corrosion, 1500% melting point, good electrical and thermal conductivity. Uses: Spades, trowels, gardening tools, springs

Question 27

Ferrous metals -High-carbon steel Iron and 0.7-1.4% carbon

Answer 27

Hard but also brittle, less tough, malleable or ductile than medium-carbon steel, poor resistance to corrosion, 1500% melting point, good electrical and thermal conductivity. Uses: Cutting tools such as saw blades and drill bits, screwdrivers, chisels, taps and dies.

Question 28

Nonferrous metals Aluminium

Answer 28

Lightweight, soft, ductile, malleable, good conductor of heat and electricity, corrosion resistant, 660 degree melting point Uses: Aircraft bodies, high end car chassis, cans, cooking pans, bike frames.

Question 29

Nonferrous metals Copper

Answer 29

Extremely ductile, malleable, excellent conductor of heat and electricity, easily soldered and corrosion resistant, 1084 degree melting point. Uses: Plumbing fittings, hot water tanks, electrical wire.

Question 30

Non ferrous metals Silver

Answer 30

Soft, precious metal, extremely resistant to corrosion, excellent conductor of heat and electricity, 961 degree melting point, expensive. Uses: Often used as jewellery

Question 31

hardwood JELUTONG

Answer 31

Close grain, pale colour, medium hardness and toughness, easily worked. Uses: Pattern making

Question 32

hardwood BEECH

Answer 32

Hard, strong, close grained timber, light brown colour with distinctive flecks of brown. Prone to warping and splitting, can be difficult to work. Uses: Furnitue, childresn toys, workshop tool handles, bench tops

Question 33

hardwood MAHOGANY

Answer 33

Strong, durable timber, deep reddish colour. Available in wide planks. Fairly easy to work, but can have interlocking grain. Uses: Good quality furniture, panelling and veneers.

Question 34

hardwood OAK

Answer 34

Hard, tough, durable, open grained timber, can be finished to a high standard. Uses: Timber framed buildings, high quality furnituer, flooring

Question 35

hardwood BALSA

Answer 35

Very lightweight, soft, easily worked timber. Pale in colour but weak and not very durable. Uses: Model making, floats, rafts

Question 36

softwood WESTERN RED CEDAR

Answer 36

Very resistant to weathering and decay, lightish reddish brown colour with close straight grain, easily worked. Uses: Fencing, cladding, fence posts.

Question 37

softwood SCOTS PINE

Answer 37

Straight grained, light yellow-coloured timber. Soft and easy to work, can be quite knotty. Uses: Interior joinery, furniture, window frames.

Question 38

softwood PARANA PINE

Answer 38

Distinctive open, straight grain, contains few knots, strong, durable. Uses: Internal joinery and staircases.

Question 39

manufacured timber MEDIUM DENSITY FIBREBOARD (MDF)

Answer 39

Made from fine particles of wood that have been produced from recycled and poor-grade timber. Flat, smooth surface, easily affected by moisture. Glue used to bind it together is abrasive on tools, detrimental to health if breathed in. Uses: Flat-pack furniture, decorative mouldings and shop interiors.

Question 40

manufacured timber PLYWOOD

Answer 40

Consists of a number of layers (veneers) of wood glued together with the grain of each veneer running adjacent to the next. Very strong, flexible board. Uses: Available in weatherproof and marine versions, but typically used for interior applications. Laminated flooring, roofing and furniture.

Question 41

manufacured timber CHIPBOARD

Answer 41

Compressing chips of wood together with a resin. Cost effective board often veneered with natural timber to improve appearance. Uses: Kitchen work surfaces, kitchen cupboards and flooring.

Question 42

manufacured timber HARDBOARD

Answer 42

Low cost manufactured board, generally used as a packing material and as a backing for self assembly furniture. One smooth surface and one meshed surface, little strength and easily affected by moisture. Uses: Wardrobe backs and drawer bottoms.

Question 43

Layout Paper Around 50gsm

Answer 43

Used for sketching and developing design work, smooth surface for pen and pencil work, thin to trace and copy parts of designs when developing ideas, cheap to buy.

Question 44

Tracing Paper Around 40gsm

Answer 44

Used for making copies of drawings and fine details, thin and translucent, hardwearing and strong despite its lack of thickness, mistakes in pen can be scratched off using a sharp blade, expensive,

Question 45

Copier Paper 80gsm

Answer 45

B/W and colour copying from inkjet and laser printer. Heavy ink use from inkjet will cause it to wrinkle. Used extensively for printing, photocopying and general purpose, smooth surface making it ideal for most printers and photocopiers

Question 46

Cartridge Paper Ranges from 8 - 140gsm

Answer 46

Thicker and more expensive than layout and copier paper, slightly textured surface, cleamier in colour than pure white, used by artists for sketching, drawing and painting, ideal surface for pencil, crayons, pastels, water colour paints, inks and gouache.

Question 47

Corrugated card 3000+ microns

Answer 47

Strong, lightweight, made from two layers of card with another fluted sheet in between. The fluted construction makes it very stiff and difficult to bend or fold. Can absorb knocks and bumps, ideal for packaging. Widely used as takeaway boxes such as pizza boxes, the fluted constructed gives it good heat insulation properties.

Question 48

Mounting board 1400 microns

Answer 48

Rigid, smooth surface. Available in a range of different colours, white and black are most common, often used for picture framing mounts and architectural modelling.

Question 49

Folding box board Around 3000 microns

Answer 49

Rigid and lightweight, thick centre made of layers of mechanical pulp sandwiched between two thinner outer layers of chemical pulp. A coating is usually applied to one side to give it a smooth texture and white colour. Low density and good stiffness, often used as packaging, particularly for frozen foods, medicines and beauty products.