Unit 5 - Named Examples - Smart, Modern and Composite materials complete Flashcards
Electroluminescent wire
used for lights and bike accessories
unbroken source of light
made from copper wires coated in phosphor, the pliable plastic exterior means that they can be used outdoors
Shape memory alloy
example - Nitinol (nickel and titanium alloy)
used for glasses, braces and medical stents
SMAs can be programmed to a specific shape
the SMA is heated above the transformation temperature and left to cool
even when the SMA’s get deformed, they will return to the original shape when heated to the activation temperature
Piezo-electric materials
converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa
this mechanical energy is often from the pressure of vibrations
quartz, bones and ceramic
can be used in sonar and ultra sonar technology
Precious metal clay (PMC)
made from a mix of metal particles and an organic binder, when heated, the moisture of the binder is drawn out in the firing process
shrinks during firing
cheaper than pure metals
easier to shape with minimal tools
Photochromic pigment
changes colour in the presence of light, in a reversible reaction
glasses (sunglasses) and novelty products
Thermochromic pigment
can be added to paint or polymers
reacts to a change in temperature by changing colour or opacity
thermometers, children’s cutlery
Phosphorescent pigment
absorbs light energy from natural or artifical sources and emits light when it is dark
- more sustainable as it does not require a power source
- the glow dims (when not exposed to light), so it needs to remain in a place of good lighting
used for clock faces and fire signs
Kevlar
made from woven fibres (aramid) and a chemical solution
Kevlar is lightweight, impact-resistant, heat-resistant and chemical-resistant
used for jackets, bulletproof vests and sports equipment
High density modelling foam (HDMF)
used for 3D models
rigid, lightweight and strong
yet rather expensive so would be used for smaller projects
Engineered wood (Glulam)
wood-based composite that aims to enhance the properties of natural timber by combining layers of wood with a hardening agent (laminated timbers)
Glulam can be used as an alternative to steel in large structures such as struts, supports and bridges
Reinforced concrete
steel frames can help to support the concrete under pressure, which allows for more complex structures to be produced
the steel will expand and contract alongside the concrete
Concrete
concrete is a composite made from sand, air, water, aggregate (gravel) and cement
good thermal insulator
low maintenance is required as it is resistant to moisture and mould
the materials required for concrete can often be sourced locally, so it’s a more environmentally friendly alternative
Fibre cement
combination of cellulose and synthetic fibres (mixed with concrete)
durable and resistant to chemicals
vapour permeable and a good insulator, so it adapts similar properties to regular concrete, the fibres just help to provide additional support against tension for the panels
Aluminium composite board
made from a polymer core with a thin sheet of aluminium
uses for signs and exterior cladding as the panels will not warp and are relatively lightweight (and more versatile than traditional building materials)
Glass reinforced polymer (GRP)
also known as fibreglass
similar to CFRP, where layers of fibres are combined with a thermoset resin
resin has a good compressive strength, and the fibres have a strong resistance to tension, so when combined they are particularly durable
still labour intensive but cheaper than CFRP
Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
layers of carbon fibres are coated with a thermoset resin (such as epoxy)
non-recyclable due to the thermoset resin, but this also makes it chemical and corrosion resistant and shock absorbent
lightweight so it can be used for larger projects such as wind turbines and F1 racing cars
Tungsten carbide
made from a mix of tungsten and ceramic (also known as cermet)
Tungsten carbide is a particularly durable material and can only be scratched by diamond
formed through sintering
remains stable and will not warp under high temperatures, making it a particularly suitable material for high-speed cutting tools and heavy machinery
