Modern materials

• fibre optics

  • glass or plastic (slightly thicker than hair) that functions as a light pipe transmitting light between the two ends of the fibre
  • used in fibre-optic communications where transmitted over longer distances
  • used instead of metal wires as there is less loss during travel
  • used for illumination, carrying images allowing viewing in confined spaces
• liquid crystal displays (LCDs)

  • variety of applications such as calculators, mobile phones and laptops
  • based on compounds where natural light can pass through - if small voltage is applied they then block the path which is what makes it appear on screen
  • reflective or backlit
• glulam

  • glued laminated wood and is the use of several pieces of timber that are glued together to create strong, composite components
  • for use in buildings, bridges and other structures
  • stronger and more stable than using solid timber and allows defects (knots and shakes) to be almost eliminated
• coated metals

  • coating can be applied to sheet metals (aluminium)and is used for protection and decoration
  • the polymer (PET or PP) can be applied as a transparent material or a range of colours
  • food quality - don't tint food so are commonly used for tin cans
  • nickel coated steels are used when a non-corrosive material is needed - also used for injection moulding moulds and vehicle parts
• metal foams

  • aluminium can be foamed which results in a lightweight material that can be placed between sheets for reduced weight
  • makes a greater impact resistance as the sheet absorbs the impact which is dispersed through the foam
  • can also be used for filtration of gas and liquid where higher temperatures would cause damage to a polymer-based foam filter
• titanium

  • has a very high strength to weight ratio which makes it suitable for aerospace and medical industries
  • used for jewellery, sports equipment and paint colours
  • corrosion resistant and does not react with bodily fluids
• precious metal clays (PMC)

  • gold and silver are placed in clay which evaporates in a kiln allowing the metals to fuse together (650 degrees)
  • can be moulded and sculpted
  • very expensive, costing more than the amount of precious metal it contains
• micro fibres

  • very fine polymer based fibres which are typically made from nylon or polyester
  • designed to mimic microstructures found in nature
  • waterproof and lightweight - used in sports and leisure industries
• phase changing materials (PCM)

  • a substance with high heat of fusion - melts and solidifies at certain temperatures
  • capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy
  • heat is absorbed and released when is changes from solid to liquid
  • hand and bottle warmers are examples of a PCM
• dichroic glass

  • reduced glare on the visors of space helmets as well as a coating for space vehicles
  • light is transmitted and reflected by the glass which is coated in metal oxides and quartz crystals
  • the glass reflects different coloured light which gives the colour changing appearance when looking from different angles
• graphene

  • high-purity graphene
  • 100 times stronger than hypothetical steel (steel cannot exist in single atom thickness)
  • almost invisible and incredibly light
• carbon fibre

  • carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)
  • woven into a matt which is cut to shape, placed in mould where resin is added and forced into shape (170 degrees for 8 hours)
  • popular in F1 car bodies, tennis racquets and other performance equipment
• a modern material is a material that has been engineered to improved properties, made for the purpose of improving the original material