Chemistry - C4 material choices

OCR GCSE

Addition polymerisation

Process of joining smaller molecules (monomers) together to form a larger molecule (polymer) through the addition of unsaturated monomers.

condensation polymerisation

Condensation Polymerisation: A process in which monomers react to form a polymer, releasing a small molecule like water or alcohol. The reaction is repeated until a long chain is formed. Examples include nylon, polyester, and proteins.

giant covalent structures

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* Large, three-dimensional structures made of atoms bonded together by strong covalent bonds.
* Examples include diamond, graphite, and silicon dioxide.
* Have high melting and boiling points due to the strength of the covalent bonds.
* Do not conduct electricity as they have no free electrons or ions.

graphene

A single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is the thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material known to man. It has applications in electronics, energy storage, and biomedicine.

Ceramics

These are made with clay that has been fired. They have a wide range of properties, including high melting points, low thermal expansion, and excellent electrical insulation. These properties are ideal for use in high-temperature applications such as furnace linings, spark plugs, and heat exchangers.

Composites

These are materials that are formed by combining two or more different materials. The resulting material has properties that are different from the individual components. They can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers.

Alloys

These are metallic materials that are formed by combining two or more elements, with at least one being a metal. They have unique properties that make them suitable for various applications. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Corrosion

This is the process of gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, due to chemical reactions with their environment. It occurs when metal is exposed to moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive agents. Corrosion can cause rust, pitting, and weakening of the metal, leading to structural failure. Preventive measures include coating the metal, controlling the environment, and using corrosion-resistant materials.

4Fe + 3O2 + 6H2O →2Fe2O3 . 3H20

reusing and recycling

Reducing waste and conserving resources by reusing and recycling materials is more sustainable than extracting new raw materials. This helps to minimize environmental impacts and conserve natural resources.

One of the main challenges is the cost and energy required to collect, sort, and process recycled materials. Additionally, some materials may not be suitable for recycling or may require specialized equipment to recycle, which can be expensive. Reusing materials may also require additional cleaning or processing, which can be time-consuming and costly. Finally, there may be limitations to the number of times a material can be recycled or reused before it loses its quality or effectiveness.

Life Cycle Assessments

LCA is a method to evaluate environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. It considers all stages including production, transportation, use, and end-of-life. The goal is to identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and improve sustainability.

nanoparticles

These are tiny particles with a size range of 1-100 nanometers. They can be made from a variety of materials such as metals, ceramics, and polymers. Due to their small size, they have unique properties that differ from their bulk counterparts, making them useful in a wide range of applications such as drug delivery, electronics, and environmental remediation. However, their small size also raises concerns about their potential toxicity and impact on the environment.

uses of nanoparticles

Nanoparticles have a wide range of uses in various fields such as medicine, electronics, energy, and environmental science. In medicine, nanoparticles are used for drug delivery, imaging, and cancer treatment. In electronics, they are used for creating smaller and more efficient devices. In energy, nanoparticles are used for improving solar cells and batteries. In environmental science, they are used for water purification and pollution control.