B-Advanced materials

Question 1

What is a bio-polymer?

Answer 1

-A polymer produced from renewable resources such as wood and starch.

Question 2

What is a biodegradable polymer?

Answer 2

-They are made from finite resources but contain additives that cause them to degrade quicker.
-Degradation occurs when they are exposed to a microorganism, which convert the polymer into water, CO2, biomass and methane.
-Degradation can also occur in the presence of light, oxygen, or water.

Question 3

What is a natural bio-polymer?

Answer 3

-Made from natural materials that will break down quickly, such as starch, cellulose, and polysaccharides.

Question 4

What is a synthetic bio-polymer?

Answer 4

-Made from natural materials but are chemically engineered to break down more quickly.

Question 5

Bio-polymer-Corn starch polymer?

Answer 5

-A natural bio-polymer made from high starch vegetables such as corn and potatoes.
-Used for packaging products, disposable cutlery and take-away for containers.

Question 6

Bio-polymer-Potatopak?

Answer 6

-A natural bio-polymer made from potato starch.
-Used for single use for items like bowls, cutlery and food trays.

Question 7

Bio-polymer-Biopol?

Answer 7

-A natural bio-polymer made from bacteria grown in cultures, additives are added to promote degradation.
-Used for films, carrier bags and pill coverings.

Question 8

Bio-polymer-Polylactide acid?

Answer 8

-A synthetic bio-polymer made from corn kernels or cane sugar fermented to produce lactic acid and then synthesised.
-Used for packaging, single use bottles, carrier bags and 3D printing.

Question 9

Bio-polymer-PHA?

Answer 9

-A natural bio-polymer made from bacteria grown in cultures and is fully compostable.
-Used for packaging and in medical use like slow release medication patches.

Question 10

Bio-polymer-Lactide?

Answer 10

-Used for synthetic bio-polymer, it is fully compostable and water soluble.
-Used for biomedical applications, slow release medication and detergent washing sachets.

Question 11

Bio-polymer-Glycolide?

Answer 11

-A synthetic bio-polymer that is fully compostable.
-Used for food films, bags, packaging wrap and agricultural ground sheets.

Question 12

What is a composite material?

Answer 12

-A material comprised of two or more different materials, resulting in a material with enhanced properties.

Question 13

Composites-CFRP?

Answer 13

-Carbon fibre and epoxy resin.
-Tough, hard, lightweight, corrosion resistant and good compressive strength.
-Used for bike frames and car bodies.

Question 14

Composites-GRP?

Answer 14

-Glass fibre and polyester resin.
-High strength to weight ratio, lightweight, durable, corrosion resistant, tough, hard and good compressive strength.
-Used for water pipes and boat hulls.

Question 15

Composites-Concrete?

Answer 15

-Cement, sand and aggregate particles with water.
-High compression strength, low tensile strength and mouldable.
-Used for pathways and foundations.

Question 16

Composites-Reinforced concrete?

Answer 16

-Concrete and low carbon steel rods.
-High compression strength, high tensile strength, fire resistant and durable.
-Used for buildings and retaining walls.

Question 17

Composites-Fibre cement?

Answer 17

-Cement and polymer fibres.
-Lighter than reinforced concrete, hard, tough, water resistant and good at low temperatures.
-Used for suspended floors and roofing.

Question 18

Composites-Engineered wood?

Answer 18

-Timber laminates and MF adhesive.
-Good aesthetics, natural alternative, lightweight, fire resistant and good structural stability.
-Used for roof beams and decking.

Question 19

What is a smart material?

Answer 19

-A material that reacts to a change in their environment or another external factor.

Question 20

Smart material-Shape memory alloy?

Answer 20

-Can react to a change in temperature or electrical current.
-This causes it to change shape.
-Can be used for self-closing windows and dental wires.

Question 21

Smart material-Thermochromic pigment?

Answer 21

-Reacts to a change in temperature.
-This causes it to change colour.
-Used for baby feeding spoons, mood rings and colour change mugs.

Question 22

Smart material-Photophorescent?

Answer 22

-It will absorb the energy from the light.
-It can then release energy to create light itself.
-Used in fire exit signs and glow in the dark products.

Question 23

Smart material-Photochromic pigment?

Answer 23

-Reacts to changes in light.
-This causes it to change colour.
-Used in welding goggles and sunglasses.

Question 24

Smart material-Electroluminescent wire?

Answer 24

-Reacts to a change in current that passes through it.
-The thin wire that is coated will then create light.
-Used in glowing jewellery and decorative lighting.

Question 25

Smart material-Piezoelectric material?

Answer 25

-Reacts to impact caused by compression. -It causes it to generate a charge. -Used in air bag sensors, BBQ lighters and musical cards.

Question 26

What is a modern material?

Answer 26

-A material that has been engineered through new processes to have enhanced properties.

Question 27

Modern material-Kevlar?

Answer 27

-Strong, tough, lightweight, withstands extreme temperatures and is cut resistant. -Used for body vests and space suits.

Question 28

Modern material-Precious metal clay?

Answer 28

-Easy to shape and form, can be sanded or filed and is cheaper than solid materials. -Used for jewellery and pendants.

Question 29

Modern material-High density foam?

Answer 29

-Lightweight, easy to work with and sand easily to make intricate shapes. -Used for 3D modelling and building prototypes.

Question 30

Modern materials-Polymorph?

Answer 30

-Granules become mouldable in hot water, then sets at room temperature, can reheated and reshaped as many times as you want. -Used for modelling and ergonomic handles.