Modern Materials. What are Modern materials? Modern materials are those which are continuously being developed by the invention of new or improved processes.

ModernMaterials

Modern Materials

What are Modern materials?

Modern materials are those which are continuously being developed by the invention of new or improved processes.

Unlike Smart materials, their characteristics do not necessarily change with external effects such as temperature or pressure.

The X33 - next generation shuttleSource:www.tc.cornell.edu/Research/CMI/ RLVsource/Pics/x33-bigr.jpg

Modern Materials

Teflon

Teflon is a polymer with very low surface adhesion (non-stick) characteristics.

Teflon is used on cooking utensils, like frying pans…

Teflon frying panSource: www.amazon.com

Modern Materials

Teflon

… also as a dry bearing material in machines and even in clothing to resist stains and moisture absorption.

Teflon fabric coating causes moisture to “bead” on the surface.Source: www.fjallraven.com

Modern Materials

Optical fibres

Optical fibres are long, thin, hollow tubes usually made from glass, which have a mirrored inner surface.

They are designed to carry light for extremely long distances and function on the basis of total internal reflection.

Optical fibresSource: www.bbc.co.uk

Click here for more information and ananimation on optical fibres on the UlearnToday website

Modern Materials

Carbon Fibre

Carbon fibre is often used to provide strength in a composite with other materials.

It has very high tensile strength and produces very strong, lightweight material.

Carbon fibre sheet

Source: www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/ davebrian/cdev/sheet.htm

Modern Materials

Carbon Fibre

Carbon fibre is often used to manufacture lightweight equipment for high tech applications – for example in racing cars and boats.

Racing car seat made from carbon fibreSource: www.340r.net/news

Modern Materials

Carbon Fibre

Carbon fibre is often used to manufacture lightweight equipment for high tech applications – for example in racing cars and boats.

Carbon fibre reinforced speed sailing craftSource: www.compositespars.com

Modern Materials

Composite materials

A composite material is formed from a combination of materials which are bonded together.

They can be composed of fibers, layers of materials (laminates), particles or flakes.Lightweight carbon composite bike frame

Source: www.cobr.co.uk

Modern Materials

Composite materials

A composite material is formed from a combination of materials which differ in composition or form and are bonded together.

They can be composed of fibers, layers of materials (laminates) or composed of particles or flakes.

Composite motor bike wheelsSource: www.dymag.com/ Motorcycle%20Homepage.

Modern Materials

Cellular materials

Metallic foams have low density, high strength and stiffness, good damping and energy absorption and are non flammable.

Applications inlcude transportation, as well as in the aero and space industry.Cellular metal foam

Source: www.oeaw.ac.at

Modern Materials

Genetically modified foods

Scientists are developing new plant strains by changing their genetic structure (DNA).

The new plants can be pest or drought resistant to help third world countries; onions that don’t make you cry or; caffeine free coffee, to name but a few.

GM cornSource: http://globalchange.umich.edu

Modern Materials

Synthetic flavours

Did you know that hedgehog flavour crisps aren’t really made from hedgehogs!

Synthetic flavours can be manufactured to taste like natural products. Check out your next crisp packet!

Source: www.learn.co.uk

Modern Materials

Modern fabrics and fibres

A wide range of modern materials are being developed to improve:-

• waterproofing (eg Gortex), • stain resistance (eg Teflon), • thermal insulation (eg Polartec) • stretchiness (eg Lycra)

Polartec dog jacketSource: www.rvrg.com