resources - ceramics and composites

Question 1

use of side lime glass?
how do we make soda lime glass?
problem with side lime glass?

Answer 1

• side lime glass is ideal for items such as windows and bottles
• to make it we mix together sand, sodium carbonate and limestone. we heat this mix in a furnace until it melts. when it cools it solidifies into any shape we want
• has a relatively low melting point which limits its uses

Question 2

brosilicate glass properties?
how is it made?

Answer 2

• has a higher melting point than soda lime glass which makes it useful for objects that require heating (kitchen ware and labware)
• melt a mixture of sand and boron trioxide

Question 3

clay ceramic uses?
how are clay ceramics formed?

Answer 3

• pottery and brick
• clay is a mineral we find in the ground. when it is wet it can be shaped and then heated in a furnace to harden

Question 4

what are composites?

Answer 4

consist of 2 or more materials with different properties.
the reinforcement which consists of fibres or fragments of one material which is then surrounded by the matrix or binder material

Question 5

what is carbon fibre composite made from? properties? uses?

Answer 5

• reinforcement material fibres of carbon
• matrix is a plastic resin
• carbon fibre composite is extremely strong + light.
• useful in cars or aircraft parts

Question 6

what is reinforced concrete (composite) made from? properties? uses?

Answer 6

• steels bars surrounded by concrete
• extremely strong
• used to make buildings