3-1: Types of material

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering graphic design materials including paper, card, polymers, foams, composites, and smart materials based on the provided lecture notes.

What does the unit of measurement 'gsm' stand for?

grams per square metre

What is the typical weight (gsm) of everyday printer paper?

$$\text{80 gsm}$$

Which measurement unit is commonly used for the thickness of very thick boards?

Microns

What is 'grain direction' in paper and card?

The direction in which most fibres lie

According to the text, why is it easier to read text on matt paper compared to glossy paper?

Because matt paper is smooth but not shiny (glossy)

How does glossy paper affect the appearance of printed colors?

It makes colours pop and look vibrant

Define 'opacity' in the context of paper properties.

How well a material prevents light from travelling through it

What is a benefit of using standard stock sizes like A4, A3, and A2?

Standard sizes save time and waste

List the three standard stock forms for paper and card mentioned in the transcript.

Sheets, Rolls, and Boards

What does the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo indicate?

The paper or card comes from forests that are responsibly managed

What is the gsm range for tissue paper, and what is its typical use?

$\text{10-35 gsm}$; used for wrapping delicate gifts and colourful crafts

What is the typical gsm for newsprint?

$$\text{45-55 gsm}$$

What weight range defines cartridge paper, and what is a typical use?

$\text{100-150 gsm}$; used for sketching, art projects, and nicer printouts

What are the properties and uses of corrugated card?

It has a wavy layer (fluting) sandwiched between flat sheets; used for delivery boxes and packaging

Which material is described as high-quality, bright white card used for fancy packaging like perfume boxes?

Solid white board

What defines 'duplex board', and where is it commonly used?

Made of two layers stuck together, often with a white top and grey underside; used for cereal boxes and shoe boxes

What is foamboard composed of?

A low density foam core (often polystyrene) sandwiched between card or paper sheets

What are the primary differences between thermo polymers and thermosetting polymers?

Thermo polymers can be melted and remoulded repeatedly, while thermosetting polymers stay strong and cannot be remoulded once set

What are biopolymers derived from?

Renewable resources, such as corn starch or sugarcane

Name a specific example of a common biopolymer mentioned in the text.

PLA

What are 'cross links' in the context of polymers?

Polymer structures that hold a material in shape and make it strong, specifically in thermosetting polymers

What are the four mentioned stock forms for polymers?

Sheets, Films, Rolls, and Filament

What is polymer 'filament' specifically used for?

The raw material for 3D printing; it is a fine thread built up layer by layer

Why do traditional polymers pose a significant environmental challenge?

They are mostly made from non-renewable fossil fuels and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years

What condition is usually required for biopolymers like PLA to biodegrade?

Specific conditions, such as industrial composting

What are three main advantages of using foam materials in graphic design?

They are low density and rigid, easily shaped, and impact resistant

What is the specific material definition of 'Styrofoam'?

Extruded polystyrene foam

In what stock form is Styrofoam typically supplied?

Blocks

Which tool is recommended for effortlessly slicing through Styrofoam blocks?

A hot wire cutter

What safety precaution is mandatory when sanding or cutting foam?

Wearing a mask to avoid inhaling microplastic particles or plastic fumes

What is 'Refoam'?

A sustainable alternative to Styrofoam that uses recycled material to create textured furniture

Define a 'composite' material.

A material made from two or more different materials with very different properties, combined to create a material with improved properties

What are the three main materials used in a Tetra Pak carton?

Layers of paper, plastic (polyethylene), and aluminium foil

Identify the two main parts of a composite material.

The Matrix (binding material) and the Reinforcement (added fibres, particles, or layers)

How do barrier properties in composites benefit food packaging?

They block out light, air, and moisture to keep food and drinks fresh for longer

What defines a 'foil-based' composite?

A composite that includes a thin layer of metal foil, usually aluminium

What is an example of a particle-based composite used for display boards?

MDF (Medium-density fibreboard)

What materials are combined to make MDF?

Wood particles mixed with resin (matrix) and pressed into sheets

What happens to paper fibres during the recycling process of Tetra Pak cartons?

They are 'downcycled' into paper towels or cardboard rather than new cartons

What is the 'PolyAl' pellet made from?

The leftover mix of aluminium and plastic from recycled cartons

How does a 'smart material' differ from a traditional material?

It responds to changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature or light, by changing its properties

What is the function of thermochromic materials?

They change colour in response to changes in temperature

What is the function of photochromic materials?

They change colour in response to ultraviolet (UV) light

What are shape memory polymers (SMPs)?

Polymers that can be deformed but return to their original shape when heated

Define 'Polymorph'.

A special polymer that becomes mouldable when heated in hot water, allowing for hand-shaping

Why is Polymorph useful in the study of ergonomics?

Designers can quickly create and modify models to assess how comfortably a product fits the hand or body

In the word 'biopolymer', what does the prefix 'bio' signify?

It means the material comes from a natural source that was once alive

Describe 'alternative materials' as defined in the transcript.

Substitutes for common materials, often chosen for benefits like sustainability, cost, or performance

Describe 'modern materials' as defined in the transcript.

Recently developed substances engineered to have special properties and improved performance over traditional materials

What is 'fluting' in the context of cardboard?

The zigzag wavy layer found in corrugated card