Polymers And Composites Flashcards
What are Polymers
Polymers are materials made of long, repeating chains of molecules.
What are the two types (with examples) of polymers?
Synthetic and Natural Polymers
Example of Synthetic Polymers are:
Nylon, Polyethylene, Polyester
Examples of Natural Polymers are:
Silk, Wool, Cellulose, Proteins
What are the properties of Polymers
Usually Insulators of heat and electricity.
Often flexible. (Can be bent without breaking). (Eg. A carrier bag can be bent and stretched without breaking and it’s also light for its strength)
Can be very light for their size and strength.
Easily moulded. (Eg. A kayak, made of polyethylene, can be moulded into a kayak and is very light so the kayak can float)
What are composites?
Composites are made of different materials.
A composite material is a material made from two or more materials with different physical and chemicals which are stuck together.
What are some examples of composite materials?
Eg. Gorges - a breathable, waterproof textile found in clothes so it keeps you dry and it’s breathable material is large enough to let the sweat through but small enough to keep you warm.
Eg. Concrete - is made from a mixture of sand and gravel mixed in cement. It is strong, it can be squashed without breaking - a great building material used for buildings like shopping centres and airports.
Eg. Fibreglass - made of glass fibres fixed in plastic. It I had low density (light) and is very strong for skis and boats.
Other materials and their properties, namely Nylon and Ceramics
Nylon: is a tough, lightweight, elastic polymer and is used in clothing such as coats, tights and umbrellas
Ceramics: is a solid material, made mostly from non-metals such as clay (pottery) for example and used for plates, bowls, tiles, mugs
