1. EXPLORING PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS

2. POLYMERS & COMPOSITES
Organic compound – a compound containing atoms of carbon bonded to one another and to other kinds of atoms (ex. – hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen). *Carbon is present in more than 2 million known compounds!

3. Carbon can form this many different compounds because of 2 properties: (1) carbon atoms can form 4 covalent bonds (maximum) (2) carbon atoms can form chains, branched chains, and rings

4. Polymer – a large, complex molecule built from smaller molecules bonded together. Monomer – the smaller molecules from which polymers are built. Polymers form when chemical reactions link monomers in a repeating pattern.

5. What are some natural polymers?
Cellulose – fibers that make up cell walls of plants.

6. Animal polymers: spider webs, silk, wool, fingernails, etc
Animal polymers: spider webs, silk, wool, fingernails, etc. (all protein compounds)

7. Synthetic Polymers
The starting materials for most polymers are coal and oil. Plastics – common synthetic polymers that can be molded or shaped. Synthetic polymers include: carpet, clothing, adhesives, insulation, etc. [Figure 5 – page 71]

8. Composites
Composites combine two or more substances as a new material with different properties. By using two or more substances in a composite, chemists can make a new material that works better than either one alone.

9. A Natural Composite
Wood is a common natural composite. Wood is made from cellulose and lignin.

10. Synthetic Composites Examples: Fiberglass Graphite composites
carbon nanotube composites

11. METALS & ALLOYS
Alloy – a mixture made of two or more elements that has the properties of a metal. What are the properties of metals? The properties of an alloy can differ greatly from those of its individual elements.

12. Alloys are generally stronger and less likely to react with air or water than pure metals. Bronze Cymbal Brass Trumpet

13. Other common alloys include:
carbon steel
stainless steel
plumber’s solder
sterling silver
dental amalgam
pewter
[Figure 9 – page 82]

14. Ceramics & Glass
Ceramics – hard, crystalline solids made by heating clay and other materials to high temperatures.
Properties of Ceramics:
Ceramics are brittle
Ceramics resist moisture
Ceramics do not conduct electricity
Ceramics can withstand extremely high temperatures

15. Uses of Ceramics Food storage Roofing tiles Bricks Sewer pipes
Insulators in electric equipment & light fixtures
Oven walls
Space shuttle insulation

16. Glass
Glass – a clear, solid material with no crystal structure, created by heating sand to a very high temperature.
Uses of Glass:
Windows
Bottles & jars
Lenses
Cooking surfaces & cookware
Laboratory glassware
Optical fibers

17. Optical fiber – a threadlike piece of glass or plastic that can be used for transmitting light. The light that moves through an optical fiber is reflected within the fiber. A pair of optical fibers the thickness of a human hair can carry 625,000 phone calls at one time. One quarter pound of glass fiber can replace over two tons of copper telephone and cable television lines.