Materials Classification Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the different classifications of materials?

Ceramics (correct)

Polymers (correct)

Composites

Metals (correct)

Why are composites not typically used in the construction of a lab/plant?

Very useful although are very expensive so alternatives are used.

What is a base metal?

Common inexpensive metals that corrode and oxidize easily.

What are precious metals?

Rare naturally occurring chemical elements. Signup and view all the answers

Define alloys.

Mixture of 2 or more elements, one must be metal. Signup and view all the answers

Define ferrous.

A material that contains iron. Signup and view all the answers

Define noble metal.

Resistant to corrosion or oxidation, usually precious. Signup and view all the answers

What properties does a metal typically have?

High stiffness, ductility, good electrical and thermal conductors, reactive, can be made stronger by alloying. Signup and view all the answers

What is carbon steel composed of?

Iron + carbon. Signup and view all the answers

What is stainless steel composed of?

Steel + Chromium. Signup and view all the answers

What is brass composed of?

Copper + zinc. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of using metals to make pipes?

High strength, non-porous, easy to process, available worldwide, high thermal conductivity, can be recycled. Signup and view all the answers

What are the drawbacks of using metals to make pipes?

Suffers from corrosion, particles may wear it, may have cheaper alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

State some examples of natural polymers.

Cellulose, wool and leather, proteins, nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is a thermoplastic?

A plastic that becomes moldable above a specific temperature and returns to a solid state upon cooling. Signup and view all the answers

What is a thermosetting plastic?

Cannot be melted at increased temperatures and then cooled to reform. Signup and view all the answers

Define elastomers.

Low Young's modulus and high failure strain. Signup and view all the answers

Define co-polymer.

Consists of different monomers created to change material properties. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of polymers?

Crude oil, but natural gas is also used. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 key stages of producing polymers in terms of extraction to final production?

<ol> <li>Natural resource, 2. Distillation, 3. Cracking, 4. Polymerization, 5. Polymer.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

List key characteristics of plastics.

Ductile, corrosion resistant, low density, good electrical insulation, often cheaper than metals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two classes of ceramics?

<ol> <li>Stiff, 2. Glass.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are the properties of stiff ceramics?

High E, abrasion resistant, good high temperature strength, good corrosion resistance, brittle. Signup and view all the answers

What are the properties of glass ceramics?

Hard, corrosion resistant, electrically insulating, transparent, brittle. Signup and view all the answers

Define a composite.

Developed to create materials with a unique combination of properties. Signup and view all the answers

What are 4 types of composites?

<ol> <li>Unidirectional, 2. Laminate, 3. Chopper fibre, 4. Particulate.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 main types of composites?

<ol> <li>Polymer matrix composite, 2. Ceramic matrix composite, 3. Metal matrix composite.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Material Classifications

Materials are classified into three main categories: metals, ceramics, and polymers; these can combine to form composites.

Composites Usage

Composites, while providing valuable properties, are often too expensive for typical lab or plant construction, leading to the choice of alternatives.

Base and Precious Metals

Base metals are common, inexpensive metals that are prone to corrosion and oxidation.
Precious metals are rare, naturally occurring elements, known for their resistance to corrosion.

Alloys and Ferrous Materials

Alloys are mixtures of two or more elements, with at least one being a metal.
Ferrous materials primarily contain iron, impacting their properties and applications.

Noble Metals

Noble metals, like platinum and palladium, resist corrosion and oxidation, making them valuable in various applications.

Metal Properties

Metals generally exhibit high stiffness and ductility, softening under stress but can be strengthened through alloying or treatment.
They are good conductors of electricity and heat but are also reactive and prone to corrosion.

Specific Metal Compositions

Carbon steel consists of iron and carbon, enhancing tensile strength.
Stainless steel incorporates chromium for improved resistance against rust and corrosion.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its excellent malleability.

Metals in Pipe Production

Benefits include high strength, non-porous nature for fluid containment, easy processing, worldwide availability, high thermal conductivity, and recyclability.
Drawbacks are susceptibility to corrosion, wear from particles, high thermal conductivity, and the potential for cheaper alternatives.

Polymers Overview

Natural polymers include cellulose, wool, leather, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Thermoplastics become moldable when heated and solidify upon cooling, while thermosetting plastics do not re-melt and harden permanently.

Elastomers and Co-polymers

Elastomers have low Young's modulus and can return to their original shape post-deformation; they can be thermoplastic or thermosetting.
Co-polymers consist of multiple monomers to enhance material properties.

Polymeric Sources and Production Steps

The primary source for polymers is crude oil, with natural gas also contributing.
Key stages of polymer production include extraction of natural resources, distillation, cracking, polymerization, and the final polymer formation.

Plastic Characteristics

Characteristics include ductility, corrosion resistance, low density, insulation properties, and ease of coloring.
Noted for low stiffness, yield strength, thermal conductivity, and variable temperature dependence of properties.

Ceramic Classes and Properties

Ceramics are classified into two main types: stiff ceramics and glass.
Stiff ceramics are known for high elasticity, abrasion resistance, and brittleness.
Glass ceramics are hard, corrosion-resistant, electrically insulating, and transparent, but brittle.

Composites Definition and Types

Composites are engineered to achieve unique property combinations like high strength and low weight.
They can be unidirectional, laminate, chopper fiber, or particulate, all supported by a matrix material.
The three primary composite types are polymer matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and metal matrix composites.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the classification of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers, as well as the specifics of composites and base metals. It aims to enhance your understanding of material properties and their applications in various fields. Test your knowledge and prepare for further studies in materials science!