Material Choice and Properties

These flashcards contain key vocabulary terms and definitions related to material choice and properties, polymers, ceramics, alloys, and environmental considerations in material usage.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of repeating structural units (monomers), typically connected by covalent chemical bonds.

Monomer

A small, simple molecule that can join together with other similar molecules to form a polymer.

Covalent Bond

A type of chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Natural Polymers

Polymers that are found in nature, such as proteins and cellulose.

Synthetic Polymers

Polymers that are manufactured through chemical processes, like plastics.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

A type of polyethylene that is strong and stiff, with higher crystallinity.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

A type of polyethylene that is weaker and more flexible, with lower crystallinity.

Ceramics

Inorganic, non-metallic solid materials made from clay and other raw materials, often fired at high temperatures.

Composite Material

A material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

Alloy

A mixture of two or more elements, where at least one element is a metal.

Stainless Steel

A type of steel that contains chromium, making it resistant to corrosion.

Condensation Polymerisation

A type of polymerization where monomers react to form polymers while losing small molecules like water.

Thermosetting Polymer

A type of polymer that, once set into a given form, cannot be remolded or reheated.

Thermosoftening Polymer

A type of polymer that can be melted and remolded multiple times.

DNA

A large polymer essential for life, containing instructions for development and functioning of organisms.

Amino Acid

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks for proteins.

Redox Reaction

A chemical reaction involving the transfer of electrons, where oxidation and reduction processes occur.

Rusting

The corrosion of iron and its alloys, forming hydrated iron oxide when in contact with moisture.

Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)

A systematic process for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life.

Nanotechnology

The branch of technology dealing with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers.