Paper Two: New Materials

Question 1

glulam

Answer 1

• laminated timber (much thicker than plywood) accurately planed & glued together
• strong, corrosion resistant, stable
• laminate eliminated natural defects
• alternative to steel & concrete:
  > more economical
  > better strength to weight ratio
  > easy to form & shape with low energy cost
• always made from sustainable forests
• used as structural material (bridges, buildings, etc)

Question 2

kevlar

Answer 2

• aromatic polyamide (polymer with ring-like molecules connected in long chains)
• extremely tough, very high tensile strength
• woven into material- lightweight & strong
• uses: bullet proof vests, puncture resistant tyres, aeronautical applications

Question 3

precious metal clay

Answer 3

• microscopic particles of precious metals brought together in pliable medium
• shaped into jewellery etc
• once shaped undergoes sintering process (temperature raised unit medium burned off & metal particles fuse together)
• can be made very quickly (only needs to be heated for a short amount of time)
• can be used in craft kits at home
• thinks approx 10%

Question 4

nanomaterials

Answer 4

• materials which are 1-100 nanometers in size
• used as additives in cosmetics etc
• used in sports equipment to improve tensile strength, stiffness etc
• research being done into nanoelectronics- much smaller but greater capacity than microelectronics
• used to coat materials to add/improve properties
  > samsung- graphene prolong battery life
• graphene = 2D form of carbon, honey comb structure
• when rolled into tube: high tensile strength, hardness, heat resistance, electrical conductivity
• nanotubes very thin & hollow- can be used in medicine eg delivering drugs
• non-recyclable
• some potentially toxic