Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
3.1.3 Developments in new materials - Coggle Diagram
3.1.3 Developments in new materials
Composite materials
are produced by combining two or more different materials to create an different material with new properties and functions .
Glass reinforced plastic
(GRP) - made of synthetic resin and class fibres. Light weighted, strong, heat resistant... typically used in car body parts, helmets, pipes...
Carbon-fibre reinforced plastic
(CRP) is a very strong, light, waterproof and expensive composite material. Typically used in sports cars, sports equipments...
Modern materials
are materials that has been engineered to have improved properites.
Developments made through invention
of new or improved processes
Graphene
is a single carbon layer material ( hypothetically 100 times stronger than steel). It could provide body amour that is bulletproof, invisible and almost weightless.
Metal foams
- strong, lightweight but still a metal. It is produced by injecting a gas or foaming agent into molten metal. uses - aircraft parts, medical implants.
Titanium
is a modern metal, used in supporting and medical applications e.g. Hip joints.
resistant to corrosion
high strength-to-weight ratio
Polymorph
- non-toxic + biodegradable polymer.
The granules are heated together at 62 degrees.
they fuse together and become a mouldable substance
it can be shaped by hand and becomes solid once it cools
can be re-heated to be re-moulded.
uses - repair, jewellery, prototying
Alterations to preform a particular function
Liquid Crystal Displays
(LCDs) - use the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals to display an image. Offer a low-cost and low-power method of displaying information. When chaege is applied, the shape of each LC changes to either block light or let light though. E.g. TVs, alarm clocks, navigation...
Nanomaterials
are tiny particles of 1 to 100 nanometers(nm) that ca be uses in thin films or coating.
e.g.
oleophobic
- repel oil and fingerprints
hydrophobic
- repel water
on phones or tvs...
Smart materials
are materials which need to exhibit a physical change in response to an external stimuli
Thermochromic pigments
change colour when temperature changes. 'Thermo' (heat) + chroma (colour).
Photochromic pigments
changes colour when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
e.g. glass lenses inside are clear and outside in the sunlight are dark.
Windows can also use this tech to prevent rooms getting too hot.
Shape memory alloys
(SMA) - metal alloys that can 'remember' their shape when heated.
Nickel titanium (nitinol) is a type of SMA, it contracts when heated whilst most metals expand.
Self-healing materials
- contain micro-encapsulated resin-based adhesives that are released and activated when stress fractures are caused.
Resin fills the crack and hardens leaving a small bubble behind instead of a fracture.
Litmus paper
- Piece of paper which chnages colour depending on the pH levels (acidic, neutral, alkali).
Quantum Tunnelling Composites
- Nanoparticles work together to insulate (no pressure applied) and conduct electricity (pressure is applied) . It varies its electrical resistance depending on stress applied. More pressure = less resistance. i.e. Lighting application, the harder you press the lighter it gets.
Piezoelectric
- Materials which produce a voltage when pressure is applied. e.g. gas lighter or a card which sings when opened.
Technical textiles
Conductive fabrics
allow a small electrical current to safely pass through them. e.g. touch screen gloves, allows flow through gloves to connect to the screen.
Fire-retardant fabrics
are fabrics which more resistant to fire than others, through chemical treatment or manufactured fireproof fibre. Often used in curtains and furniture.
Kevlar
is tightly woven fabric the has great impact resistance. Used in racing tyres, bullet proof vests, gardening gloves.
Microfibres
are synthetic fibers that are thinner than human hairs.
Microencapsulation
involves trapping liquid or solid substances within fibres of materials. When rubbed the microspheres gradually release
active agents
which break the thin-walled membrane.
Benefits - smelling good to cover body odours.
Gor-Tex fabric
- a waterproof yet breathable garment e.g. coats, gloves, trainers. Better than waterproof material because it is breathable; stops water coming in and allows moisture out.