Using Resources (Paper 2) Flashcards
Define a ceramic
A non-metal solid with a high melting point that isn’t made from carbon based compounds
Give some examples of ceramic materials
Clay, glass
What are 2 different types of glass?
soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass
What is soda-lime glass made up of?
A mixture of limestone, sand and sodium carbonate
What is borosilicate glass made up of?
sand and boron trioxide
Which type of glass has a higher melting point?
borosilicate glass
What are composites made of?
One material embedded in another. Fibres or fragments of a material are surrounded by a matrix acting as a binder.
In composites, define the reinforcement
the fibres or fragments of a material
What does fibreglass consist of?
fibres of glass embedded in a matrix of polymer
What is the density and strength of fibreglass?
It has a low density like a plastic and is strong like glass
What does carbon fibre consist of?
The reinforcement is either made from long carbon chains or carbon nanotubes
What is a use of fibreglass?
Making skis, surfboards and boats
What is a use of carbon fibre?
Aerospace and sports car manufacturing
What are the properties of carbon fibre?
It is very strong whilst also light
Define aggregate
any material made from fragments
What does concrete consist of?
Sand and gravel embedded in cement
What are the properties of concrete?
Strong, dense and heavy
What is wood composed of?
Cellulose fibres held together in an organic polymer matrix
What are the two main factors that can influence the properties of a polymer?
How its made and what its made from
How is low density polyethene made?
From ethene at a moderate temperature under high pressure and with a catalyst
What is a property of low density polyethene?
Flexible
What are the uses of low density polyethene?
Bags and bottles
How is high density polyethene made?
From ethene at a high temperature under low pressure with a catalyst
What is a property of high density polyethene?
rigid
What are the uses of high density polyethene?
water tanks and drainpipes
What do the properties of polyethene depend on?
the catalyst used and the reaction conditions (pressure and temperature)
How can monomer properties affect a polymer?
Weak or strong bonds between monomers can change the properties of the polymer
What is an example of strongly bonded monomers?
the monomers in thermosetting polymers
How are the monomers bonded in thermosetting polymers?
They form cross links between polymer chains, holding them together in a solid structure.
What are the properties of thermosetting polymers?
Strong, hard and rigid
What is an example of weakly bonded monomers?
the monomers in thermosoftening polymers
How are the monomers bonded in thermosoftening polymers?
individual polymer chains entwined together with weak forces between the chains
What is the main difference between thermosoftening and thermosetting polymers in terms of heating?
When heated, thermosetting polymers remain hard and rigid whereas thermosoftening polymers melt and can be remoulded
What are the properties of ceramics?
They are insulators of heat and electricity, brittle and stiff
What is the difference in properties between low and high carbon steel?
Low carbon steel is malleable whereas high carbons steel is very hard and inflexible
What is a property of stainless steel?
it is corrosion resistant
What is added to steel to form stainless steel?
chromium and sometimes nickel
What is steel made of?
small amounts of carbon and sometimes other metals to pure iron
What does bronze consist of?
copper and tin
What are common uses of bronze?
Medals, decorative ornaments and statues
What does brass consist of?
copper and zinc
Compared to bronze, what is a property of brass?
it is more malleable than copper
What are common uses of brass?
situations where lower friction is required eg water taps and door fittings
What do gold alloys consist of?
Gold mixed with sinc, copper and silver
What is pure gold described as?
24 carat
What is a property of aluminum?
low density
What is a property of an aluminum alloy compared to pure aluminum?
it is harder and stronger
What is a common use of aluminum alloys?
making aeroplanes