Materials: Structure and Uses Unit 2 Section D Materials: Structure and Uses
Allotropes: Same Element, Different Structure & Properties Diamond Graphite Buckminsterfullerene
Carbon Nanotubes
Ceramics A ceramic is an inorganic, non-metallic solid prepared by the action of heat and subsequent cooling.
Properties of Ceramics? Hardness Rigidity Low reactivity Resistance to wear Brittle
Plastics Synthetic, (meaning human created) long chains of carbon-atom chains with hydrogen and/or other elements PET polystyrene PVC
Properties of Plastics? Vary greatly Highly customizable Most are petroleum based
Combining Metals Alloy: a solid “solution” of atoms of 2 or more metals Brass Steel (sort of) Bronze
Properties of alloys Some are superconductive –conduct electric current without any resistance Take the properties of their constituent elements
Semiconductors Only conduct electricity at certain voltages Can change the direction of a current Doping-adds impurities to semiconductors to enhance their properties
Modifying Surfaces Coatings Paints Varishes Powder coating Electroplating: using electric current to coat something with a metal
Thin Films