Composites and Natural Materials

Colour/lustre of Concrete

Grey, dull

Uses of Concrete

Buildings, bridges, pavements, foundations

Properties of Concrete

Hard, strong in compression, brittle, durable

Colour/lustre of Fibre-Glass

Transparent or translucent, glossy

Uses of Fibre-Glass

Boat hulls, pipes, insulation, panels

Properties of Fibre-Glass

Strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, insulating

Colour/lustre of Grinding Wheel (Alumina/Emery)

Grey, brown, or white, rough

Uses of Grinding Wheel (Alumina/Emery)

Grinding, cutting, sharpening tools

Properties of Grinding Wheel (Alumina/Emery)

Hard, abrasive, brittle

Colour/lustre of Wood

Light to dark brown, natural lustre

Uses of Wood

Furniture, construction, paper, fuel

Properties of Wood

Lightweight, strong, insulating, combustible

Colour/lustre of Stone

Grey, white, or colored, dull to polished

Uses of Stone

Buildings, monuments, flooring, countertops

Properties of Stone

Hard, brittle, durable, heavy

Colour/lustre of Sand

Light brown, yellow, or white, granular

Uses of Sand

Concrete, glass-making, casting molds

Properties of Sand

Granular, abrasive, chemically stable

Colour/lustre of Rubber

Pale yellow to black, flexible

Uses of Rubber

Tires, hoses, gaskets, footwear

Properties of Rubber

Elastic, waterproof, insulating, durable

Colour/lustre of Asbestos

White to grey, fibrous

Uses of Asbestos

Fireproof insulation, roofing, brake linings

Properties of Asbestos

Heat-resistant, fibrous, corrosion-resistant, brittle