Using Resources: Key Words

alloy

A metal compound made by combining two or more metals together. This process is carried out to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion.

bioleaching

Uses bacteria to produce leachate solutions that contain metal compounds.

borosilicate glass

Glass made from sand and boron trioxide. It melts at higher temperatures than soda-lime glass.

composite

Most are made of two materials, a matrix or binder surrounding and binding together fibers or fragments of the other material, which is called the reinforcement.

corrosion

The destruction of materials by chemical reactions with substances in the environment, e.g. rusting.

desalination

The process of removing salt from seawater.

displacement

A chemical reaction in which a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound.

electrolysis

• The splitting up of an ionic compound using electricity.

• The electric current is passed through a substance causing chemical reactions at the electrodes and the decomposition of the materials.

electroplating

The process of coating a metal with a thin layer of another metal by electrolysis to improve the metal's corrosion resistance.

finite resources

A non-renewable resource that cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a quick enough pace to keep up with consumption.

galvanize

A process used to protect against corrosion by coating the metal with a protective layer of zinc.

ground water

Water held underground in the soil and crevices in rock.

life cycle assessment (LCA)

Carried out to assess the environmental impact of products in each of these stages:

• Extracting and processing raw materials

• Manufacturing and packaging

• Use and operation during its lifetime

• Disposal at the end of its useful life

NPK fertilizers

Fertilizers which contain compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The fertilizers improve agricultural productivity.

ore

A rock from which metal can be extracted.

phytomining

Uses plants to absorb metal compounds from the soil. The plants are harvested and then burned to produce ash that contains the metal compounds.

potable water

Water that is safe to drink.

raw materials

The basic material from which a product is made.

renewable resources

A natural resource which can be used repeatedly and will not run out due to being naturally replenished.

sacrificial protection

The protection of iron or steel against corrosion by using a more reactive metal. Zinc is often used as a sacrificial metal.

soda-lime glass

Glass made by heating a mixture of sand, sodium carbonate and limestone.

sterilization

The process used to remove bacteria or living microorganisms from something. Used during the treatment of water.

sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

the Haber process

The process used to manufacture ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen gas.

thermosetting polymers

Polymers which do not melt when heated.

thermosoftening polymers

Polymers which melt when heated and can be remolded into different shapes.