Unit 5 Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is a composite material?
A material made by combining two or more materials to create enhanced properties.
Why are composites used instead of traditional materials?
They often have improved strength, are easier to mould or manufacture, and offer better overall performance.
What is one key advantage of composites in manufacturing?
They can be moulded into complex 3D shapes.
What is Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)?
A composite made from carbon fibres and resin.
What is CFRP used for?
Sports equipment, aerospace, high-performance cars.
Why is CFRP suitable?
It’s lightweight, very strong, and stiff.
What is Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)?
A composite of glass fibres and resin.
What is GRP used for?
Boats, water tanks, car bodies.
Why is GRP suitable?
It’s corrosion-resistant, strong, and easy to mould.
What is tungsten carbide?
What is it used for?
Why is it suitable?
A composite of tungsten and cobalt.
Cutting tools, drill bits.
It’s extremely hard and wear-resistant.
What is aluminium composite board?
Where is it used?
Why is it suitable?
A layered material of aluminium sheets with a plastic core.
Signage, building cladding.
Lightweight, durable, weather-resistant.
What is concrete?
composite of cement, sand, aggregate, and water.
What is reinforced concrete?
Concrete with embedded steel bars for added strength.
Why is concrete used in construction?
It’s strong in compression, durable, and can be cast into shapes.
What is fibre cement?
What is it used for?
Why is it suitable?
Cement reinforced with fibres (usually cellulose).
Roofing, wall panels.
Strong, fire-resistant, low maintenance.
What is engineered wood (e.g. Glulam)?
What is it used for?
Why is it suitable?
Wood made by gluing layers together.
Beams, furniture, structures.
Stronger and more stable than natural timber.
What is a smart material?
A material that changes its properties in response to external stimuli like temperature, light, or pressure.
What external stimuli can smart materials respond to?
Temperature, light levels, and force/pressure.
What is a shape memory alloy (SMA)?
Where is it used?
Why is it suitable?
A metal that returns to its original shape when heated (e.g. Nitinol).
Glasses frames, medical stents.
It responds to heat and can “remember” its shape.
What is thermochromatic pigment?
Where is it used?
Why is it suitable?
A pigment that changes colour with temperature.
Thermometers, baby spoons, mugs.
It gives a visual signal when heat is applied.
What is phosphorescent pigment?
Where is it used?
Why is it suitable?
A pigment that glows in the dark after being exposed to light.
Emergency signs, novelty items.
It provides visibility in low light.
What is photochromic pigment?
Where is it used?
Why is it suitable?
A pigment that changes colour when exposed to light.
Transition lenses, UV-detecting items.
It reacts to changing light conditions.
What is electroluminescent wire?
Where is it used?
Why is it suitable?
A wire that glows when electricity is applied.
Decorative lighting, clothing, signs.
Flexible and lights up efficiently.
What is piezoelectric material?
Where is it used?
Why is it suitable?
A material that generates electricity when pressure is applied.
Sensors, microphones, lighters.
Converts mechanical pressure into electrical energy.
