Materials

• What does the term 'ceramics' mean?


  'Of pottery'
• What materials are ceramics made from?

  Clay, sand, and feldspar
• What is feldspar?


  A rock that has metals present in compound form, such as oxides and silicates
• At what temperatures are ceramics typically heated in a kiln?

  700-2000°C
• Name three traditional ceramics.

  Clay, brick, and cement
• What are two physical properties of ceramics?

  Strong and hard
• What does it mean for ceramics to be brittle?

  They can smash or break into small pieces when dropped or hit
• Why are ceramics considered cheap to source?

  They are made from readily available materials
• What does it mean for ceramics to be durable?

  They can withstand wear, pressure, or damage
• What are the physical properties that make ceramics useful?

  • Hard
  • Durable
  • Insulators
  • Unreactive
  • Heat resistant
  • High melting points
• What does it mean for porcelain to be an electrical insulator?


  It does not allow electricity to flow through it easily
• Why is porcelain useful for use in metal electricity pylons?

  Insulators help prevent electrocution
• Name another insulator besides porcelain.

  Plastic, rubber, or wood
• What are two properties of ceramics that make them useful for making artificial bones?

  Durable and unreactive
• What are two properties of ceramics that make them useful for making cups and mugs?

  Heat resistant and insulator of heat
• Why is brittleness a disadvantage for ceramics when used for cups and mugs?

  They can break easily when dropped
• What is the primary component of brick?

  China
• What is silicon carbide commonly used for?

  Brake disc
• What happens when clay or a silicon/carbon mixture is heated?

  A chemical reaction forms crystals with a lattice structure
• What is a lattice structure?


  A lattice structure has billions of atoms joined together by strong bonds in a regular pattern
• What type of material is silicon carbide?

  It is a ceramic material
• What are some applications of silicon carbide?

  • Cutting tools
  • Body armor
  • Brake disc
  • Scouring/sanding tools
• What is a property of silicon carbide?

  It is hard and strong
• What is another property of silicon carbide?

  It has a high melting point
• What is a characteristic of ceramic materials?

  A ceramic material is a non-metal substance that is unaffected by heat
• How do most ceramics compare to quartz in structure?

  Most ceramics have a similar structure to quartz
• What is silicon dioxide made of?

  Silicon and oxygen atoms
• What is the structure of silicon dioxide?

  • Tetrahedral pyramid
  • Lattice structure
  • Made of silicon and oxygen atoms
  • Each silicon atom forms 4 bonds with oxygen atoms
  • Each oxygen atom forms 2 bonds with silicon atoms
• What are the properties of silicon dioxide?

  It is very hard, does not conduct electricity, and has a very high melting point
• What is a property of silicon?

  It has a high melting point
• What is another property of silicon?

  It is hard
• What are the properties of silicon carbide?

  • Hard
  • Stiff
  • High melting point
  • Strong
• Why is quartz considered brittle?

  Because the atoms are held in a rigid structure
• What are the uses of quartz?

  • Sandblasting
  • Scouring
  • Grit for sanding and sawing
• What is the relationship between the properties of quartz and its uses?

  1. High melting point: Useful for cutting tools, drilling, and brake discs
  2. Hardness: Useful for sanding and sandblasting

  
• Why does quartz have a high melting point?

  Because there are lots of strong bonds that require a lot of energy to break
• What is the reason quartz is hard?


  Atoms are held together by strong bonds in a rigid structure
• What is the significance of being hard for quartz?

  It allows quartz to be used for sanding and sandblasting
• What are the key points about quartz's properties and uses?

  1. Made of silicon and oxygen atoms
  2. High melting point due to strong bonds
  3. Hardness allows for various applications
  4. Used in cutting tools, drilling, and sandblasting

  
• Name two natural polymers.

  Rubber and proteins