Section A Flashcards
Thermoforming/ Thermoplastics
- thermoplastics
- when heated the plastic becomes soft and flexible
- they can be remoulded without affecting the material’s physical properties
Thermosetting
- thermosets
- this plastic can’t be reformed once set into a shape
- they have strong chemical bonds between molecules which can’t be broken by heat
Molecular structure in thermosets
individual monomers join to form a larger polymer.
these long chains of molecules are cross- linked resulting in a rigid molecule
Thermoplastic pros and cons
PROS- can be repeatedly heated and remoulded, good surface finish gives it good superior aesthetics, can be recycled.
Because it can be remoulded the plastic is reusable, and creates less landfill waste.
CONS- not suitable to use under heat or UV sensitivity. Every time it is heated the plastic tries to return to its original shape- plastic memory.
Thermosets pros and cons
PROS- hard and durable with good structural rigidity, can withstand high temps, waterproof so great to use as adhesives, good electric insulator
CONS- can’t be remoulded or recycled
Uses of Plastic- Moulding and Forming
- Blow moulding- forming hollow plastic items
- Extrusion- creating objects with a cross section profile
- Vacuum forming- sheet of softened plastic is forced onto a mould
Thermoplastic- Polyethylene (PETE/ HDPE/ LDPE)
- rigid with good strength to weight ratio
- good ductility (easily extruded into sheets) and impact strength
- used for plastic packaging
- lightweight
Examples of ALL thermoplastics
- PETE: bottle
- HDPE: plastic bag
- PVC: sports equip - rigid, flexible
- LDPE: juice bottles
- PP: food container- lightweight, ductile, chemically resistant and easily cleaned
- HIPS: food container- flexible, shatterproof
- Oher e.g. Acrylic- versatile and hardwearing
Examples of ALL thermosets
- epoxy resin: reactive polymers, and is supplied as a resin and a hardener which acts as a catalyst to set the resin. Used as adhesives, good strength to weight ratio.
- melamine formaldehyde: hard thermoset, good resistance to heat, chemicals and moisture. Often used in tile flooring and kitchenware products.
- urea formaldehyde: good electrical insulator, used for manufacturing electrical fittings. Used in clothing to prevent anti-wrinkling, used in papers to improve tear strength
Synthetic Fibres
- made from different types of polymer, derived from petrochemicals
- during manufacture, dye is added for wide range of colors
- Polyester and Polyamide:
1. Hardwearing
2. Non- Absorbent and wash well
3. Can blend with other fibres
Examples of Synthetic Fibre
- Polycotton: polyester and cotton
Lightweight, can absorb moisture, durable fabric for bed sheets, pillow cases
Properties of Wood
- aesthetically pleasing
- good insulator
- durable and tough
Felling
traditional way: saws and axes
modern way: chainsaws which can fell, debranch and log tree in one go
Softwood
- coniferous trees
PROS: grow faster than hardwood
cheaper and more readily available
CONS: grain is wider so they are absorbent and low density making them weaker.
Hardwood
- deciduous trees
CONS: slower to grow and therefore more expensive
PROS: variety of colors and grains, good aesthetic and physical properties
very dense and hardwearing
Examples of Softwood
pine- window frames; lightweight
larch- timber external cladding; durable and water resistant
cedar- wooden roof tiles; naturally water resistance
Examples of Hardwood
oak- front door; tough, hard
beech- cooking utensils
ash- shock resistant
mahogany- used in guitars, interiors, boats
has a pretty warm reddish hue, however the desire for it has increased leading to illegal logging trade.
Ferrous Metals
- contains iron so may rust
- rust is iron oxide layer formed when iron and oxygen in the presence of moisture
- some are magnetic
- e.g. stainless steel
Ductility and Malleability
Ductile- will stretch without being damaged, can be drawn into long wires
Malleable- can be hammered without breaking, can be pressed into sheets
Hard Vs Tough
Hard- likely to crack or shatter but will be able to withstand abrasion
Toughness- won’t shatter upon impact but likely to be prone to scratches
Tensile Strength
amount of tensile stress (stretching) a material can withstand before breaking or failing.
Different Ferrous Metals
LOW CARBON STEEL: tough, ductile- construction like bridges as bolts
HIGH CARBON STEEL: hardwearing, less ductile and malleable- saw blades
CAST IRON: hard and easily cast into shapes-
frying pains
Mild Steel is Low carbon steel
It is used in the construction and automotive industries, and for fencing, signs, and innumerable other applications. It is valued for its weldability, machinability, and ductility.