Properties of specific materials

Question 1

What are the strength and weaknesses of PVC?

Answer 1

Flexible, can be coloured and is chemical resistant
But is soft and high pollution from its manufacture

Flexible, fairly soft, impact resistant
They are used in flexible hoses and cable insulators

Question 2

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Nylon?

Answer 2

Very durable, self-lubricating and chemical resistant
But not easily recycled

Creamy colour, tough, fairly hard, resists wear, self-lubricating, good resistance to chemicals and machines+

Question 3

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Polypropylene?

Answer 3

Doesn’t absorb water, easily coloured, lightweight and food safe
But stiff and inflexible
Light, hard but scratches easily, tough, good resistance to chemicals, resists work fatigue

Question 4

List 10 working properties of materials?

Answer 4

Hardness - Withstand indentation, wear and scratching

Fatigue resistance - Ability to withstand impacts and constant exposure to forces

Toughness- Withstand impact without breaking

Strength - Withstand forces without bending or breaking

Water Resistance - Retains its properties when exposed to water

Corrosion Resistance - Doesn’t rust or corrode due to chemical reactions

Brittle - Cannot bend or stretch without breaking

Stiff - It can hold its shape without bending

Ductile- Can be twisted and stretched out into a wire

Malleable - Can be formed into a variety of shapes and deform without cracking

Question 5

What are the properties of stainless steel?

Answer 5

Resistance to corrosion, tough, strong and wear resistance
But expensive and hard to work due to rigidity

Question 6

What are the properties of Aluminium?

Answer 6

Lightweight, ductile, good conductor of heat and electricity, malleable and corrosion resistant
but soft and more expensive than steel

Question 7

What are the properties of Pewter?

Answer 7

Lead-free alloy, polishes to a mirror-type finish, can be cast easily, has a low melting point and can be reheated
But it is very soft and not hardwearing

Question 8

What are the properties of Brass?

Answer 8

Corrosion resistant, harder than copper, malleable, ductile and good conductor of heat and electricity
But can scratch easily

Question 9

What are the general properties of card and 3 types of card.

Answer 9

They have a variable strength depending on their thickness and have a low durability, especially when wet or painted/ printed on

-Corrugated card is strong and rigid
- Carton Board has good compressive strength and moisture resistance
- Paper and boards are good insulators