Material Classes
This type of element is typically malleable, ductile, and a good conductor of electricity, often used in construction and electronics
What is a metal?
This component in a composite material binds the fibers or reinforcements together and transfers stress between them
When metal cord has a polymer core, this property of polymers is added to the strength of the metal cord (elevator support wire)
What is flexibility or elasticity?
What is paper-mache?
This class of materials is known for its high heat resistance, brittleness, and use in pottery, tiles, and even advanced engineering applications
The main determining factor in choosing the reinforcement phase of a composite, making sure it is flexible or rigid enough for the application
What are mechanical properties?
When a metal is coated in a ceramic this property is raised to help it continue to operate with integrity (air plane turbines)
What is heat resistance?
This common construction material is made from a mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel, and hardens into a rock-like substance used for foundations and roadways
What is concrete?
This type of large molecule and material class is found in materials like plastic, rubber, and nylon
What is a polymer?
This term refers to the process in which a matrix phase hardens and strengthens, often with the application of heat or pressure
What is the curing process?
This property of certain metals is lost when coated with other metals for saftey purposes (medical implants)
What is toxicity?
This engineered wood product is made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneer, with the grain of each layer running perpendicular to the one before it.
A type of composite material often used in aerospace applications with an atypical matrix phase
What is a CMC?
This phase in composite materials provides strength and stiffness by being embedded within the matrix, typically taking the form of fibers, particles, or whiskers
What is the reinforcement phase?
When polymers or composites are coated around a alternative polymer interior this property is increased to protect users (helmets)
What is shock absorbance?
The first composite material, woven wooden strips covered in wet soil, sand, animal dung or other sticky substances that dry
What is Wattle and Daub?
This type of material is made by combining two or more different substances, which remain distinct at the macroscopic level, to create a product with enhanced properties
What is a composite?
This process involves molding composite materials by placing layers of fiber reinforcement in a mold and applying heat and/or pressure to create the desired form
What is shaping?
This value is decreased when pure aluminum is alloyed with silicon and magnesium, making it lighter (bike frames)
What is density?
A material consisting of calcium apatite and collagen fibers, it provides both strength and flexibility to the human body.
What is bone?