We live in an increasingly complex material world. It frequently becomes necessary to produce a new object that will perform a particular function. A good way to begin this process is by compiling a list of properties the materials involved in producing that object will need – such as strength, malleability, resistance to water and so on.
Scientists and engineers can then invent new materials or develop existing ones which will match those requirements. The range of materials that we can produce is astonishing but many of them will have at least one thing in common.
You can explore a brief history of how and when scientists began to experiment with new materials and techniques in the following rich media scene:
STORY: New science, new materials, new power
SCENE: New materials: Plastics
In this module, you'll explore a specific type of material. The animation below explores various examples - can you identify what the common factor might be for these:
ACTIVITY
The range of synthetic materials that we can produce is astonishing - though some groups of materials may have things in common. Read through the following examples and try and spot the common factor. St George's implantable axilla cardiac pacemaker, English, 1967 - Electronic heart pacemakers in plastic casing, designed to regulate the beating of the heart, were first introduced in the 1960s. Placed internally, near the heart, it produces regular electric signals, improving the heart's ability to beat with a more consistent rhythm. Horse visor made of polycarbonate, 1975 - Polycarbonates are a class of polymers that are very stiff and strong but not brittle. Coupled with the fact that polycarbonates are transparent, this makes them ideal for making shatterproof items such as visors. Artificial joints, c.1985 - A stainless steel and ultra high molecular weight polythene hip replacement unit. Ladies skiing jacket, 1985 - This skiing jacket in two tone blue and grey has an outer fabric is made of polyester bonded to Gore-tex. The filling is made of polyester in the form of 'Thinsulate' microfibres and the lining is nylon. UK policewoman's bullet-proof and stab-resistant vest, 1996 - This vest is made from more than one material - aramid fibres such as Kevlar to stop bullets, and steel mesh to stop knives. The vest was designed to be worn under the clothing of Metropolitan Policewomen. As well as providing adequate protection, it also has to be comfortable to wear. Red polyester slip from Harvey Nichols, 1998 - Polyesters are polymers of a group of organic compounds called esters. Saturated polyesters (those with no double molecular bonds), are made by a condensation reaction, and are used in the production of synthetic fibres for polyester clothing such as this slip. Audio tooth implant, 2002 - Designed by James Auger, the audio tooth implant is a new concept in secret communication. A surgeon implants the device into a tooth, the data is received from a mobile phone, or radio or computer vibrations. These resonate through your jawbone to your inner ear. Only you can hear the information.
The examples shown are all made from polymers. The following learning module explores what a polymer is, shows what polymers have in common, and will look at how structural differences lead to different applications for polymers.
Resource Descriptions
The centre section and outer wing panels of Mars Pathfinder have ribs constructed of a thin, light polymer. The ropes that secured the airbags for Pathfinder’s landing apparatus were reinforced with Kevlar.
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Polymers and intermolecular bonds
Introduction
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