1.25 Compliant, Composite and smart materials Flashcards
Explain what is Carbon- Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Carbon Fibre is made of thin, strong filaments of carbon that is used to strengthen material
Carbon Fibre can be thinner than a strand of human hair, and gets its strength when twisted together like yarn
Advantages and Disadvantages of Carbon Fibre
Advantages:
-lightweight
-strength
-stress resistant- no wear and tear
Disadvantages:
-expensive
-difficult to repair
-difficult to recycle
What is Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
GRP consists of a glass fibre matt which is applied to a mold. The fibres are strengthened by adding a resin. The process is repeated until it gets to the required thickness. The final product is smooth.
Uses:
bath tubs, tanks, boat hulls, car body panels
What are the advantages and disadvantages of GRP
Advantages;
-Low maintenance
-affordable
-durable
-weathers well
-resists UV light
Disadvantages:
-difficult to repair
-considered as cancer causing
-limited to a temperature of 300 degrees.
Explain the material Kevlar
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Kevlar is a type of fibre. It is woven into textile materials and is extremely strong and lightweight with resistance towards corrosion and heat.
Uses:
body armour, helmets, cut resistant gloves, fireproof jackets, fire blankets
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Kevlar?
Advantages:
-strength
-excellent heat and flame resistance
-lightweight
Disadvantages:
-difficult to cut
-expensive
-prolonged exposure to moisture degrades Kevlar
Explain Tungsten Carbide
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Tungsten Carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon renowned in industry for its superior durability and high melting point, around 2870 degrees.
Uses:
drill bits, wedding rings, cutting tools. hand tools, eg chisels
What are advantages and disadvantages of Tungsten Carbide
Advantages;
-high wear resistnace
-high resistance to corrosion
-withstand very high temperatures
very durable
Disadvantages:
-very expensive
-difficult to sharpen
Explain the term ‘nanotechnology’
The term nanotechnology refers to the branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances within/ less than 100 nanometres
Eg
-self cleaning window panes have nanoparticles coatings, when light hits these coatings, they break down dirt on the glass
-sunscreens- blocks harmful UV light from the sun reaching the skin
-car paint- scratches and allows water to run off
-car fabrics- allows water to run off and no odour smell
What are advantages and disadvantages of Nanotechnology
Advantages:
-improved performance- nanotech has the potential to improve the performance of various materials, devices by enhancing their properties
-better energy efficiency- developing smaller, lighter and more efficient devices- reduced energy consumption and environmental impact.
-new appliances- opened up new possibilities for applications, eg medicine, electronics and energy
Disadvantages:
-health and safety risks- may have toxic effects on human health and the environment
-ethical concerns- eg impact on society, privacy
-limited understanding- still so much to learn about behaviour and potential effects on environment and human health
What are Biophotovoltaics
BPVs are a type of bio electric device that uses photosynthesis organisms, eg algae and bacteria to generate electricity. A promising alternative to traditional solar cells as they can operate under low light conditions and made from renewables
What are advantages and disadvantages of Biophotovoltaics
Advantages:
•Renewable energy- uses renewable materials, doesn’t require fossil fuels- environmentally friendly source of energy
•low cost- BPVs are made from low cost, abundant materials, eg algae and bacteria
•Versatility- BPVs can operate under low light conditions, used in a variety of applications, eg environmental monitoring, agriculture
Disadvantages:
•low efficiency- BPVs have lower efficiency that traditional solar cells, meaning they generate less energy per unit area
•stability- susceptible to fluctuations in environmental conditions, eg temperature and humidity which affect their performance
What are Light Emmitting Polymers
LEP convert electrical power into visible light
-different colours can be obtained by altering the structure of LEP
What are advantages and disadvantages of Light Emitting Polymers
Advantages:
-low power consumption- more energy efficient, compared to traditional lighting sources
-Flexibility- can be easily formed into different shapes and sizes, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications
-Large area coverage- can be produced in sheets, making them ideal for displays and lights
Disadvantages:
-Limited Lifespan- can limit their use in some applications, compared to traditional lighting sources
-Relatively low brightness- can limit their use compared to traditional lighting sources
-Sensitive to moisture and oxygen- can limit their performance and lifespan
What are Piezoelectronic materials
-provide a small voltage when pressure is applied to it. Eg a sensor is placed on the front bumper of a car. When they are in an accident, pressure from the impact will activate the piezo electric material which will activate the car bags.
