Ceramics, polymers and composites Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are ceramics?
Non-metal solids with high melting points that are not made from carbon-based compounds
Examples include clay ceramics like bricks and pottery, which are made by shaping wet clay and heating it in a furnace.
What are clay ceramics made from?
Wet clay that is shaped and heated in a furnace
Clay is soft when wet and hardens when fired.
What is soda-lime glass made from?
Melting sand (silicon dioxide), sodium carbonate, and limestone
It is a common type of glass used in everyday products.
What is borosilicate glass known for?
Higher melting point than soda-lime glass
Made with boron trioxide, often used in laboratory glassware like Pyrex.
Define polymers.
Long-chain molecules made from joining small monomers in a chemical reaction called polymerisation
Their properties depend on the type of monomers and reaction conditions.
What are thermosoftening polymers?
Polymers with weak intermolecular forces between chains that can be melted and reshaped
They can be reprocessed and reshaped multiple times.
What are thermosetting polymers?
Polymers with cross-links (covalent bonds) between chains that do not melt when heated
They become rigid and hard and may char or decompose instead.
What are composites?
Materials made of two or more materials combined to produce better properties than the individual components
They consist of a matrix/binder and reinforcement.
What is the matrix in a composite?
The material that surrounds and binds the fibres or fragments
It provides structural integrity.
What is reinforcement in composites?
Fibres or fragments of a material, such as carbon fibres
It enhances the strength and other properties of the composite.
List examples of composites and their properties/uses.
Fibreglass: Strong, light – used in boats, skis; Carbon fibre: Very strong and light – used in cars, aerospace; Concrete: Strong in compression – used in building; Wood: Naturally composite material
Each composite is tailored for specific applications.
What are the key ideas to remember about ceramics?
Brittle, hard, high melting point, non-metal
Their structural properties make them suitable for various applications.
What defines the properties of polymers?
Type of monomers and reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure, and catalyst
These factors lead to a wide range of polymer characteristics.
Fill in the blank: Composites are ______ made from two or more materials combined to produce properties better than the individual components.
materials
Composites leverage the strengths of different substances.
