Materials & Their Working Properties Flashcards
(171 cards)
1
Q
What are material properties?
A
Material properties refer to the physical and working properties of potential materials used during the design process.
2
Q
What are physical properties?
A
Physical properties relate to the actual material.
3
Q
What is absorbency?
A
The ability of a material to take in or soak up something, usually a liquid. Papers, boards, and natural fibres are generally good absorbers of liquids.
4
Q
What is density?
A
A material’s mass per unit volume, commonly measured in g/cm³ or kg/cm³. Metals are usually dense.
5
Q
What is fusibility?
A
The ability of a material to be converted into a molten or liquid state through heating. Materials with low melting points, like solder, have high fusibility.
6
Q
What is electrical conductivity?
A
The ability of a material to conduct electricity. Metals are generally good conductors, while plastics are poor conductors (insulators).
7
Q
What is thermal conductivity?
A
The ability of a material to conduct heat. Metals are generally good thermal conductors, while plastics are poor thermal conductors (insulators).
8
Q
What are working properties?
A
Working properties relate to how a material responds to external forces and/or conditions.
9
Q
What is strength?
A
The ability of a material to withstand force without breaking. Materials may be strong in one force but weak in another.
10
Q
What is hardness?
A
The ability of a material to resist wear, abrasion, scratching, or denting. Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance.
11
Q
What is toughness?
A
The ability of a material to absorb energy without fracturing.
12
Q
What is malleability?
A
The ability of a material to be bent and shaped without breaking.
13
Q
What is ductility?
A
The ability of a material to be stretched or pulled into a strand without breaking.
14
Q
What is elasticity?
A
The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched, bent, or compressed.
15
Q
What are material properties?
A
Material properties refer to the physical and working properties of potential materials used during the design process.
16
Q
What are physical properties?
A
Physical properties relate to the actual material.
17
Q
What is absorbency?
A
The ability of a material to take in or soak up something, usually a liquid. Papers, boards, and natural fibres are generally good absorbers of liquids.
18
Q
What is density?
A
A material’s mass per unit volume, commonly measured in g/cm³ or kg/cm³. Metals are usually dense.
19
Q
What is fusibility?
A
The ability of a material to be converted into a molten or liquid state through heating. Materials with low melting points, like solder, have high fusibility.
20
Q
What is electrical conductivity?
A
The ability of a material to conduct electricity. Metals are generally good conductors, while plastics are poor conductors (insulators).
21
Q
What is thermal conductivity?
A
The ability of a material to conduct heat. Metals are generally good thermal conductors, while plastics are poor thermal conductors (insulators).
22
Q
What are working properties?
A
Working properties relate to how a material responds to external forces and/or conditions.
23
Q
What is strength?
A
The ability of a material to withstand force without breaking. Materials may be strong in one force but weak in another.
24
Q
What is hardness?
A
The ability of a material to resist wear, abrasion, scratching, or denting. Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance.
25
What is toughness?
The ability of a material to absorb energy without fracturing.
26
What is malleability?
The ability of a material to be bent and shaped without breaking.
27
What is ductility?
The ability of a material to be stretched or pulled into a strand without breaking.
28
What is elasticity?
The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched, bent, or compressed.
29
What are papers and boards made from?
Papers and boards are made from natural fibres (cellulose) from wood and recycled waste paper.
30
How are papers and boards classified?
Papers and boards are classified based on their weight in grams per square metre (gsm).
31
What is considered paper in terms of gsm?
Anything that weighs under 200 gsm is generally considered paper.
32
What is considered board in terms of gsm?
Anything that weighs over 200 gsm is generally considered board.
33
What are the properties of bleed-proof paper?
A smooth, thick paper that prevents ink from seeping and bleeding.
34
What is bleed-proof paper used for?
Quality presentational drawings.
35
What are the properties of cartridge paper?
Creamy white paper, usually with a lightly textured surface.
36
What is cartridge paper used for?
Drawings (pencil, charcoal, pastel) and paintings.
37
What are the properties of grid paper?
White paper with a printed grid of isometric lines or squares.
38
What is grid paper used for?
Scale drawings, quick sketches and model-making.
39
What are the properties of layout paper?
Thin, relatively transparent paper with a smooth surface.
40
What is layout paper used for?
General design work and sometimes tracing.
41
What are the properties of tracing paper?
Thin, transparent paper with a smooth surface.
42
What is tracing paper used for?
Copying and tracing designs.
43
What are the properties of corrugated card?
Two or more layers of card with a fluted layer in between to add strength.
44
What is corrugated card used for?
Packaging and boxes to protect items from damage.
45
What are the properties of duplex board?
Cheaper than white card, usually has one smooth white side (often printed).
46
What is duplex board used for?
Food packaging that requires printing on one side.
47
What are the properties of foil-lined board?
Card lined with aluminium foil on one side to provide insulation.
48
What are the properties of foam core board?
Two thin layers of card with a foam inner core in between.
49
What are the properties of inkjet card?
Smooth, treated card for a high-quality, bleed-proof finish.
50
What is inkjet card used for?
Model-making and mounting pictures.
51
What are the properties of solid white board?
Strong, high-quality bleached card that is perfect for printing.
52
What is solid white board used for?
High-quality packaging, printing and book covers.
53
What is wood?
Wood is an organic material that is the main substance in the trunk and branches of a tree.
54
What is timber?
Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry is known as timber.
55
What are hardwoods?
Hardwoods come from broad-leaved, deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually.
56
Why are hardwoods generally more expensive than softwoods?
Hardwoods are generally slow growing and therefore more scarce.
57
What are the characteristics of Beech wood?
Beech is hard, tough, strong, finishes well, warps easily, has a close, straight grain, and is pinkish-brown.
58
What are the characteristics of Oak wood?
Oak is very strong, heavy, durable, hard, has a varying grain, and is light brown.
59
What are the characteristics of Mahogany wood?
Mahogany is hard, strong, easy to work, resistant to rot, has a fine, straight grain, and is reddish-brown.
60
What are the characteristics of Balsa wood?
Balsa is very light and soft, has a great strength-to-weight ratio, a straight grain with a distinct velvety feel, and is pale cream to white.
61
What are some uses of hardwoods?
Hardwoods are used for flooring, furniture, tool handles, fine furniture, barrels, and instruments.
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What are some examples of hardwoods?
Other hardwoods include ash, birch, maple, and willow.
63
What are softwoods?
Softwoods come from coniferous trees that have long needle-like leaves and are generally found in cold climates.
64
Why are softwoods generally quicker to replace than hardwoods?
Softwoods are quick growing.
65
What are the characteristics of Cedar wood?
Cedar contains a chemical that makes it durable and resistant to weather, has a short notable grain, and is light cream to reddish-brown.
66
What are the characteristics of Scots Pine wood?
Scots Pine is easy to work with, reasonably strong, lightweight, has a straight grain with lots of knots, and is pale to reddish-brown.
67
What are the characteristics of Larch wood?
Larch is tough and strong, easy to work, resistant to rot but prone to splitting, and is yellow to reddish-brown.
68
What are the characteristics of Spruce wood?
Spruce has a good strength-to-weight ratio, can contain small knots, and is creamy white to pinkish-brown.
69
What are some uses of softwoods?
Softwoods are used for outdoor furniture, cupboards, fencing, decking, construction, cladding, door frames, and stringed musical instruments.
70
What are some examples of softwoods?
Other softwoods include Douglas fir, yew, and western hemlock.
71
What is an important note about hardwoods and softwoods?
Not all hardwoods are hard, and not all softwoods are soft.
72
What are manufactured boards?
Manufactured boards are made from fibres, chips, blocks or sheets of wood bonded together with adhesives.
73
What is Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF)?
MDF is made by breaking down woodchips into a pulp, mixing with glue, and compressing.
74
What are the characteristics of MDF?
MDF has a smooth surface, is denser than other manufactured boards, and produces hazardous dust. A mask must be worn when working with it.
75
What are common uses for MDF?
MDF is used in flat-pack furniture, kitchen units, and interior panelling; it comes in moisture-and-fire-resistant varieties.
76
What is plywood?
Plywood is made by gluing alternate layers of wood (veneers) together at 90 degrees to each other.
77
What are the characteristics of plywood?
Plywood is very strong in all directions, often stronger than solid wood, and must include an odd number of layers with the grain running in the same direction on the outside layers.
78
What are common uses for plywood?
Plywood is used in construction (roofing and cladding) and furniture; it comes in water-resistant marine grades for use in boats.
79
What is chipboard?
Chipboard is made by compressing and gluing small chips of wood together.
80
What are the characteristics of chipboard?
Chipboard has a rough surface, is low-cost but not as strong or durable as MDF, and is easily damaged by moisture.
81
What are common uses for chipboard?
Chipboard is used for low-cost furniture, kitchen worktops, and shelving.
82
What are metals?
Metals are elements that are usually found in rocks called ores.
83
How are metals extracted?
Most metals have to be industrially extracted from the earth through mining.
84
What are pure metals?
Metals that contain only a single metal are known as pure metals.
85
Which metals are found in their pure form in nature?
Gold, silver, platinum, and copper are the only metals found in nature in their pure form.
86
What are the general properties of metals?
Metals are usually good conductors of heat and electricity, have a high density and lustre, and most can be recycled.
87
What are ferrous metals?
Ferrous metals contain iron and are almost all magnetic. They rust unless treated.
88
What happens to ferrous metals as more carbon is added?
Ferrous metals become harder and stronger, but less malleable, as more carbon is added.
89
What is low-carbon steel?
Low-carbon steel contains 0.01-0.30% carbon.
90
What is high-carbon (tool) steel?
High-carbon (tool) steel contains 0.6-1.5% carbon.
91
What is cast iron?
Cast iron contains 2-4% carbon.
92
What are the properties of cast iron?
Cast iron is malleable, reasonably tough, cannot be hardened and tempered, inexpensive but rusts easily.
93
What are the properties of high-carbon steel?
High-carbon steel is very hard but brittle, difficult to cut and work, can be hardened and tempered, and is prone to rust.
94
What are the uses of low-carbon steel?
Uses include car bodies, nails, and screws.
95
What are the uses of high-carbon (tool) steel?
Uses include drill bits, tools, and springs.
96
What are the properties of cast iron?
Cast iron is hard but brittle, cannot be bent or forged, resistant to deformation, wear, and rust, and strong under compression but not under tension.
97
What are the uses of cast iron?
Uses include manhole covers and car brake discs.
98
What are non-ferrous metals?
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, are not magnetic, and are generally more resistant to corrosion and more expensive than ferrous metals.
99
List some examples of non-ferrous metals.
Aluminium, Copper, Tin, Zinc.
100
What are the properties of Aluminium?
Durable, lightweight, resistant to corrosion, good conductor of heat and electricity, relatively soft, malleable, and ductile.
101
What are the uses of Aluminium?
Drinks cans, aircraft, and foil.
102
What are the properties of Copper?
Great conductor of heat and electricity, soft, malleable, and ductile, high resistance to corrosion, has a low melting point.
103
What are the uses of Copper?
Electrical wiring and central heating pipes.
104
What are the properties of Tin?
Weak but malleable once heated, high resistance to corrosion, has a low melting point.
105
What are the uses of Tin?
Tin can coating and solder.
106
What are the properties of Zinc?
High resistance to corrosion, has a low melting point.
107
What are the uses of Zinc?
Galvanising (coating steel).
108
What are alloys?
Metals are alloyed (mixed with other metals or elements) to improve their physical properties.
109
What is Brass made of?
Copper and zinc.
110
What are the properties of Brass?
Combined to increase hardness, a good conductor of electricity, resistant to corrosion.
111
What are the uses of Brass?
Musical instruments, keys, and taps.
112
What is Stainless Steel made of?
Iron, carbon, and a minimum of 10.5% chromium.
113
What are the properties of Stainless Steel?
Tough, hard, strong, difficult to cut, high resistance to corrosion if chromium and nickel are added.
114
What are the uses of Stainless Steel?
Cutlery, surgical equipment, and sinks.
115
What is High-Speed Steel made of?
Various elements such as carbon, tungsten, and chromium.
116
What are the properties of High-Speed Steel?
Strong, remains hard even when heated, can cut at high speeds and high temperatures.
117
What are the uses of High-Speed Steel?
Cutting tools (e.g. mill cutters), power saw blades, and drill bits.
118
What are polymers?
Polymers, such as plastics, are man-made materials that are used in a wide range of products.
119
What are thermoform polymers?
Thermoform polymers can easily be re-formed.
120
What are thermosetting polymers?
Thermosetting polymers undergo a chemical change when formed that makes them permanently rigid and resistant to heat and fire. They cannot be re-formed and are not recyclable.
121
What are the properties of Epoxy Resin (ER)?
Hard, brittle and durable; a good electrical insulator.
122
What are the uses of Epoxy Resin (ER)?
Adhesives, castings and circuit boards.
123
What are the properties of Melamine Formaldehyde (MF)?
Hard, strong and highly resistant to heat, light, chemicals, fire and wear.
124
What are the uses of Melamine Formaldehyde (MF)?
Tableware and kitchen worktops.
125
What are the properties of Phenol Formaldehyde (PF)?
A good electrical insulator; hard and highly resistant to heat and chemicals.
126
What are the uses of Phenol Formaldehyde (PF)?
Electrical fittings and saucepan handles.
127
What are the properties of Polyester Resin (PR)?
Hard and brittle but becomes tough when mixed with glass strands to create glass-reinforced plastic (GRP).
128
What are the uses of Polyester Resin (PR)?
Boat hulls, kayaks and car panels.
129
What are the properties of Urea Formaldehyde (UF)?
Hard, brittle and heat resistant; a good electrical insulator.
130
What are the uses of Urea Formaldehyde (UF)?
Electrical fittings and door handles.
131
What are thermoforming polymers?
Thermoforming polymers contain few cross-linkage molecules, making them not very resistant to heat. They can easily be melted, moulded, and often re-formed. They are also recyclable.
132
What are the properties of Acrylic (PMMA)?
Hard, shiny, and resistant to weathering but scratches easily.
133
What are the uses of Acrylic (PMMA)?
Baths and signage; as a glass substitute.
134
What are the properties of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)?
Hard, rigid, lightweight, and suitable for vacuum forming.
135
What are the uses of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)?
Food pots and casings.
136
What are the properties of Polypropylene (PP)?
Tough, strong, and flexible with good chemical resistance.
137
What are the uses of Polypropylene (PP)?
Buckets, bins, and drinks bottles.
138
What are the properties of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?
Tough, lightweight, and flexible with strong chemical resistance.
139
What are the uses of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)?
Stationery, food packaging, and rope.
140
What are the properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)?
Can be rigid or flexible; cheap and durable (resistant to weathering).
141
What are the uses of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)?
Guttering, raincoats, and window sills.
142
What are textiles?
Textiles are materials made from natural or synthetic fibres.
143
What are natural fibres?
Natural fibres come from biological sources (plants and animals). They are renewable and biodegradable.
144
What are synthetic fibres?
Synthetic fibres are polymers manufactured from chemical sources or fossil fuels. Therefore, most synthetic fibres are not sustainable or biodegradable.
145
What is cotton sourced from?
Cotton is sourced from the cotton plant.
146
What is wool sourced from?
Wool is sourced from animal fleece (mainly sheep).
147
What is silk sourced from?
Silk is sourced from silkworm cocoons.
148
What are the properties of cotton?
Strong, highly absorbent and cool to wear in hot weather. It is also easy to dye and wash. However, it creases easily, can shrink and is flammable.
149
What are the properties of wool?
Soft, warm and absorbent. It is also crease-resistant and has low flammability. However, it can shrink and takes a long time to dry.
150
What are the properties of silk?
Lightweight, smooth and soft. It has a lustre due to its fibre's triangular structure. However, it is expensive, weak when wet and creases easily.
151
What are the uses of cotton?
Clothing, upholstery and towels.
152
What are the uses of wool?
Jumpers, rugs, blankets, coats, carpets.
153
What are the uses of silk?
Dresses, ties, soft furnishings and upholstery.
154
What are the properties of polyester?
Strong and durable with low flammability. It is also non-absorbent and resistant to creases and biological damage. However, it is not very warm.
155
What are the properties of polyamide (nylon)?
Lightweight but strong and hard-wearing. It is also crease-resistant, warm and non-absorbent. However, it is easily damaged by sunlight.
156
What are the properties of elastane (Lycra®)?
Smooth, strong and very stretchy (elastic). It keeps its shape well and is crease resistant. However, it is highly flammable.
157
What are the uses of polyester?
Sportswear, raincoats, bedsheets, rope, bedding.
158
What are the uses of polyamide (nylon)?
Ropes, sportswear, tights, swimwear.
159
What are the uses of elastane (Lycra®)?
Sportswear, swimwear, leggings, underwear.
160
What are blended fabrics?
Blended fabrics are made by spinning two or more types of fibre together to produce a yarn (thread). Fabrics are blended to combine different fibres with desirable properties.
161
What is polycotton?
Polycotton is a blend of cotton and polyester. It is more durable, cheaper, and stronger than cotton alone and is less likely to crease or shrink. However, it is not as breathable and is highly flammable.
162
How are woven fabrics made?
Woven fabrics are made by interlacing two sets of yarn at right (90°) angles to each other. The weft runs along the width of the fabric, and the warp runs along the length of the fabric.
163
What is the strength characteristic of woven fabrics?
Woven fabrics tend to be very strong, particularly along the straight grain (warp) of the fabric.
164
What is a selvedge?
The edge of a woven fabric is known as a selvedge, and it will not fray unless cut.
165
What is the plain weave?
The plain weave is the most basic and cheapest weave to produce. It is made by passing the weft yarn over and under warp yarns. It is strong, hard-wearing, and holds its shape well. Its pattern is identical on both sides of the fabric.
166
What are non-woven fabrics?
Non-woven fabrics are made directly from fibres that have not been spun into yarns.
167
What is bonded fabric?
Bonded fabric is made from webs of fibres that are bonded together with glue, heat, stitches, or needle-punching. Fabrics do not fray but are weak.
## Footnote
Uses: disposable cloths, tea bags, clothing
168
What is felted fabric?
Felt is made from matting wool fibres together by using moisture, heat, and pressure. It is inelastic and pulls apart easily.
## Footnote
Uses: jewellery, hats, crafts, carpet underlay
169
How are knitted fabrics made?
Knitted fabrics are made by interlocking (rather than interlacing) loops of yarn together.
170
What is weft knitting?
Weft-knit fabric is made by hand or machine using a yarn that forms interlocking loops across the width of the fabric. It is stretchy and warm; however, it can lose its shape and unravel easily.
171
What is warp knitting?
Warp-knit fabric is made by machine using yarn that forms vertical interlocking loops. It is less stretchy than weft-knitted fabric, but it retains its shape better and is less likely to unravel.
