Plastics
A food company needs a plastic container that can be reheated multiple times without permanently changing its shape. (bonus points for explanation)
What is thermoplastics?
Thermoplastics can be reheated and reshaped repeatedly because their polymer chains are not permanently cross-linked.
A fabric made by interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles. (bonus points for explanation)
What is a woven textile?
Woven fabrics are created by weaving warp and weft threads together, producing strong and stable textiles.
A material made by combining two or more different materials so that the final product has improved properties.
What is a composite material?
A designer chooses Kevlar for protective equipment because it has extremely high resistance to being pulled apart. What is this property called?
What is tensile strength?
A reusable water bottle must be lightweight, durable, and safe for food contact. What material should be selected?
What is polypropylene?
A manufacturer wants to produce electrical outlet casings that must resist heat and cannot melt once formed. (bonus points for explanation)
What is a thermosetting plastic?
They form strong cross-links during curing and cannot be remelted, making them heat resistant
This textile structure is produced by looping yarn together, creating fabrics that stretch easily.
What is a knitted textile?
A composite commonly used in boat hulls and car bodies that combines glass fibers with a polymer resin.
What is fiberglass?
A plastic bottle can be squeezed and return to its original shape due to this property. What is this property called?
What is elasticity?
A packaging designer wants a biodegradable plastic for single-use cutlery. They are choosing between PLA (polylactic acid) and traditional polyethylene. Which is better and why?
What is PLA because it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly?
Plastic shopping bags are made from polyethylene for what reason?
What is flexible, lightweight, or moisture resistant
A textile created by bonding fibers together using heat, chemicals, or pressure instead of weaving or knitting.
What is a non-woven textile?
This composite consists of layers of material bonded together to improve strength and durability.
What is a laminate composite?
A fiber that can bend repeatedly without breaking demonstrates this property.
What is flexibility?
A textile engineer wants to make a fabric that does not fray, stretches easily, and is soft. Which textile type is most suitable?
What is a knitted textile?
A plastic material that is transparent, impact resistant, and commonly used for safety goggles and aircraft windows.
What is polycarbonate?
A clothing designer wants a fabric that is lightweight, strong, and resistant to abrasion for outdoor gear. (bonus points for properties)
What is nylon?
Nylon is a synthetic polymer fiber known for high tensile strength and durability.
This composite uses extremely strong carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix and is commonly used in aircraft and sports equipment.
What is carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)?
A lightweight bicycle frame material that provides high strength with very little weight demonstrates a high ______ ratio.
What is strength-to-weight ratio?
A car manufacturer wants a fabric for airbags that stretches slightly but resists tearing. Which textile property and material is most important?
What is high tensile strength?
A company wants to make a reusable water bottle that must be rigid, chemical resistant, and food safe. Which plastic would you choose and why?
What is polycarbonate?
A manufacturer is producing a fire-resistant uniform for firefighters. They must select a textile that is heat resistant, durable, and does not melt easily. Which fiber or textile type should they choose and why?
What is Kevlar?
A wants a material that is lightweight, strong, and resistant to water absorption, and can withstand repeated stress in rough conditions.
What is fiberglass-reinforced polymer?
A company is designing a suspension bridge and wants cables that stretch slightly under load but return to their original length, minimizing permanent deformation. Which property is most important?
What is elasticity?
This natural fiber is highly absorbent, making it ideal for towels and summer clothing.
What is cotton?