Materials & their Working Properties
Below is a collection of revision 'flashcards' that cover the exact key terms found in the UK GCSE curriculum Design and Technology syllabus. Take your time to learn and remember the terms on each flash card. Real world examples are also provided for use in written exam answers!
Papers & Boards
Glossary of Key Terms
-
Types of paper
-
Types of boards
-
Stock papers & board forms
Bleed-proof paper is a type of paper specifically treated to prevent ink from soaking through and staining the back of the sheet. This is especially important for artwork or projects that use markers, heavy inks, or washes, as it allows vibrant colors and clean lines without worrying about "bleeding" onto the next page.
Cartridge paper is a high-quality, relatively thick paper commonly used for drawing and illustration. It has a slightly rough texture, also known as tooth, which provides good grip for dry media like pencils, charcoal, and pastels.
Grid paper, also known as graph paper or squared paper, is paper covered in a fine grid of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines. These lines create squares that help with:
​
-
Accuracy: The grid allows for precise drawing and measurements, especially for product design and engineering drawing.
-
Alignment: It helps keep your lines and shapes straight and evenly spaced.
-
Organization: The grid can be used to create tables, charts, and graphs for data visualization and note-taking.
Layout paper is a thin, often translucent paper specifically designed for the initial stages of design projects. Overall, layout paper is a cost-effective and versatile tool for designers and artists during the initial phases of their creative process.
Tracing paper is a thin, almost see-through sheet used to copy or transfer images or drawings. It allows you to see the artwork underneath clearly, making it perfect for:
​
-
Art and Design: Tracing existing artwork, transferring sketches to other surfaces, and layering details or color variations.
-
Technical Drawing: Accurately copying technical drawings or plans.
-
Crafts: Transferring patterns onto fabric or other materials for crafting projects.
Paper typically comes in two main stock forms for ordering: sheets and rolls.
​
-
Sheets: This is the most common form for everyday use. Sheets come in various standardized sizes, following the international A series (A0 being the largest, A6 being the smallest) or the American letter/legal system. You'll also find specialty sheets like square sizes for cards or specific sizes for photo printing.
-
Rolls: Large rolls are ideal for projects requiring a lot of continuous paper, like large posters, architectural plans, or industrial use. They come in various widths and can be custom cut to specific lengths upon purchase.
​
The key difference between paper and board lies in their thickness, usually measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Paper is generally thinner and more flexible, typically ranging from 70gsm for lightweight writing paper to around 250gsm for thicker cardstock.
​
-
Paper: Used for writing, printing, drawing, and various craft projects. Thinner papers are more for everyday tasks, while thicker papers offer more durability and texture for creative applications.
-
Board: Considered thicker and more rigid than paper, usually starting from around 200gsm and going upwards. Boards are ideal for applications requiring sturdiness, like packaging, presentation folders, or creating display boards.
Duplex Board
Corrugated cardboard is strong, lightweight material made from layered paperboard. It's the go-to for boxes (shipping, moving), displays, and even temporary shelters because it's cheap, protective, and versatile.
Corrugated Card
Duplex board is a heavyweight paperboard made with two layers. It's known for being stiff, printable, and good for both packaging (boxes, cartons) and printing projects (book covers, folders).
Foil Lined Board
Foam Core Board
Foil-lined board is cardboard with aluminum foil laminated on one side. This combo makes it ideal for takeaway containers as the foil insulates, keeping food warm and fresh.
Foil Lined Board
Foam core board is a lightweight, rigid material with a foamy center sandwiched between smooth paperboard on both sides. It's popular for presentations, signs, art projects, and models because it's easy to cut, paint, and customize.
Ink Jet Card
Inkjet cards are essentially regular cards made specifically for printing with inkjet printers. They come in various thicknesses and can be PVC (plastic) or even paper-based.
Solid White Board
The term "solid white board" can have two meanings:
-
Solid core whiteboard: This is a regular whiteboard with a more rigid, solid core instead of a honeycomb interior. It's more durable and less prone to dents than standard whiteboards.
-
Solid white cardboard: This is high-quality cardboard made from bleached wood pulp. It's strong, smooth, and ideal for high-detail printing on boxes (luxury goods, cosmetics) or even for rigid book covers.
Natural & Manufactured Timbers
Glossary of Key Terms
-
Types of hardwoods
-
Types of softwoods
-
Types of manufactured boards
-
Stock timbers forms
Hardwoods are a type of wood that comes from angiosperm trees. These trees are typically broad-leaved and deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall. Hardwood trees grow very slowly, even hundreds of years. The hollow cells in the wood are more compacted as the tree grows slowly, therefore making the wood tough and harder to saw. Hardwoods are known for their density, strength, and durability, which makes them a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and other applications that require a long-lasting material.
Ash
Ash wood is a strong, flexible hardwood prized for its light color and attractive grain. It's commonly used in furniture, flooring, tool handles (like baseball bats!), and sports equipment.
Beech
Beech is a hard, light-colored wood known for its strength and smooth surface. It's popular for furniture, flooring, and tool handles due to its affordability and durability indoors.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a reddish-brown hardwood valued for its beauty, strength, and resistance to rot. It's a popular choice for high-end furniture, boat building, and musical instruments like guitars.
Oak
Oak is a tough, long-lasting hardwood with a beautiful grain. It's popular for furniture, flooring, cabinets, and barrels due to its strength, durability, and attractive look.
Balsa
Balsa wood is super lightweight yet surprisingly strong. It's the go-to wood for model building (airplanes, boats) and crafts due to its ease of shaping and gluing.
Softwoods are the opposite of hardwoods. They come from gymnosperm trees, which are typically cone-bearing evergreens with needles or scales for leaves. Softwoods are known for being lighter, easier to work with, and often faster-growing than hardwoods. Softwood trees grow much faster than hardwoods, therefore the hollow cells in the wood are more spread out, making softwoods less dense and easier to saw.
Larch
Larch is a unique conifer with strong, rot-resistant wood. It's a top choice for outdoor projects like decks, fences, and even boat building because it handles weather well.
Pine
Pine is a versatile, affordable softwood. It's lightweight, easy to work with, and popular for construction (framing, lumber), furniture, and decorative projects.
Spruce
Spruce is a common softwood known for its light weight, affordability, and good sound properties. It's widely used for construction lumber, paper pulp, and even the soundboards of musical instruments like violins.
Manufactured boards, also called engineered wood, are panels made by gluing wood byproducts like chips, fibers, or veneers. They're cheaper, more stable, and more uniform than solid wood, making them popular for:
​
-
Construction (walls, floors)
-
Furniture (cabinets, shelves)
-
Interior design (doors, moldings)
Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)
MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a versatile and affordable engineered wood product. It's made by gluing wood fibers together under high heat and pressure. It is smooth and easy to machine, making it a popular choice for furniture, cabinets, shelves, and even decorative projects.
Plywood
Plywood is a strong, sheet material made by layering thin sheets of wood (veneers) glued together with the grain going in opposite directions. This gives it increased strength and stability compared to solid wood. There are also special types for outdoor use and applications requiring high moisture resistance.
Chipboard
Chipboard is a manufactured board made of wood chips glued together. It's affordable, sturdy, and good for furniture, shelving, flooring, packaging and workshop projects.
Metals & Alloys
Glossary of Key Terms
-
Types of ferrous metals
-
Types of non-ferrous metals
-
Types of alloys
-
Stock metals forms
Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron as their main ingredient, usually making up more than 50% of their composition. The term "ferrous" comes from the Latin word "ferrum" meaning iron. This classification system highlights the dominance of iron in these metals, which significantly influences their properties. Ferrous metals are generally strong, durable, and magnetic due to the presence of iron. However, their high iron content also makes them susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen.
Low Carbon Steel
Low carbon steel is a versatile and affordable metal with a relatively low carbon content (less than 0.3%). This makes it easier to shape, weld, and machine compared to other steels. While less strong, it's still strong enough for many applications like car parts, building components (beams, pipes), and even food cans.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a type of iron alloy with a high carbon content (2-4%) making it strong, relatively inexpensive, and good for heat retention. However, it's brittle and can crack easily. Popular uses include cookware (pots and pans), car parts (engine blocks), and decorative items.
High Carbon Steel/Tool Steel
High carbon steel is all about strength and sharpness. It has a higher carbon content (0.6-1.0%) compared to regular steel. This makes it very hard and wear-resistant, perfect for things like cutting tools, springs and strong wires.
Non-ferrous metals are metals that contain little to no iron (Fe) in their composition. The designation "non-ferrous" literally means "not iron-based." This lack of iron is a key differentiator as it leads to distinct properties compared to ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals are generally lighter, better conductors of electricity and heat, and more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals. However, they can also be less stiff and more expensive. Due to their varied properties, non-ferrous metals find use in a wide range of applications like electrical wiring, aerospace components, and decorative elements.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight metal prized for its strength, resistance to corrosion, and good conductivity. It's a common material in everything from soda cans and cooking foil to airplanes and building components.
Tin
Tin is a soft, silvery metal known for its resistance to corrosion. While not pure tin itself, tin-plating is used to coat steel cans (food containers) to prevent rust. Tin also finds uses in soldering (electrical connections), alloys (like bronze), and even as a protective coating for other metals.
Copper
Copper is a reddish-brown metal famous for its excellent conductivity of electricity and heat. This makes it the top choice for electrical wiring, pipes for hot water, and even heat sinks in electronics. It's also strong, malleable, and somewhat anti-bacterial, so you'll find it in roofing, cookware, and even some plumbing fixtures.
Zinc
Zinc is a versatile element important for human health and industry. It's a strong, moderately reactive metal that protects other metals from rust (galvanization) and is found in alloys like brass. It's also essential for our immune system and is even used in some sunscreens!
Alloy metals are not classified as a single element, but rather as a mixture where one element (the base metal) is combined with other elements. Typically, at least one of these elements will be a metal. This classification system highlights the fact that the properties of the final material are a result of combining different elements. Alloying allows us to tailor properties like strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and conductivity to specific needs. For example, adding carbon to iron creates steel, a much stronger and more versatile material than iron alone. Alloys are crucial in many fields, from construction and manufacturing to aerospace and electronics.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, known for its attractive golden color. It's strong, corrosion-resistant, and relatively easy to work with. This makes it a popular choice for everything from doorknobs and musical instruments to plumbing fixtures and ammunition casings.
High Speed Steel
High-speed steel is all about cutting through tough stuff at high speeds. It's an alloy steel with added elements like tungsten and molybdenum. This makes it extremely hard and keeps its edge even when hot. So, it's the go-to material for making things like drill bits, saw blades, and cutting tools that need to stay sharp during intense use.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a metal alloy known for its impressive resistance to rust and corrosion. It's mostly iron, but with at least 10.5% chromium, which forms a protective layer that keeps it shiny and resists stains. Stainless steel is strong, hygienic, and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for cookware, cutlery, appliances, and even buildings and medical instruments.
Polymers
Glossary of Key Terms
-
Types of thermoforming polymers
-
Types of thermosetting polymers
-
Stock polymer forms
Polymers are classified based on the structure of their building blocks. They are essentially very large molecules formed by chaining together many smaller repeating units called monomers. This classification system emphasizes the way these repeating subunits connect and influence the overall properties of the polymer. There are various classifications, but a common one is by origin: natural polymers like proteins and cellulose found in living things, and synthetic polymers like plastics and nylons made in labs. Another way to classify them is by their chain structure, such as linear (straight chain) or branched (chains with side extensions), which affects their flexibility and strength. Understanding polymer classification helps us predict their behavior and choose the right type for specific applications.
Thermoforming polymers are a specific group of plastics classified based on their response to heat. They are distinguished by their ability to soften and be molded into new shapes when heated, and then retain that shape upon cooling. This classification focuses on their processing characteristics. The ease of shaping and reshaping them also makes them recyclable, further enhancing their value.
Acrylic (PMMA)
Acrylic, also known as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), is a transparent and tough plastic that's a popular alternative to glass. It's known for being lightweight, shatter-resistant, and crystal clear. You'll find it in everything from windows and aquariums to signs, furniture, and even contact lenses.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) is a versatile and affordable plastic known for its good balance of strength and impact resistance. This makes it a popular choice for packaging (clamshells, trays, food containers) due to its ability to protect contents. It is also used for toys (especially children's toys) as it can withstand bumps and falls.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a tough and versatile plastic widely used for its strength, durability, and resistance to chemicals. It's known for being strong and long-lasting and resistant to corrosion. It is also very recyclable.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a versatile and widely used plastic known for being affordable and durable. Due to these properties, PVC finds uses in a wide range of products, including piping, window frames, plumbing fixtures, flooring and even some medical devices.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight yet surprisingly strong plastic commonly used across many industries. It's known for being versatile, durable and safe for food contact. Polypropylene's uses are widespread: from packaging (food containers, bottles, caps) to textiles (fibers for carpets, clothing), and even automotive parts (bumpers, dashboards).
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a common and very versatile plastic known for being clear and strong, lightweight and very recyclable. PET is all around you; in single-use beverage bottles, water bottles, food packaging, even clothing fibers. It's also used for things like strapping, thermoformed trays, and certain engineering applications.
Thermosetting polymers, also called thermosets, are a distinct class of polymers defined by their irreversible chemical reaction during a curing process. This classification highlights the permanent change in their molecular structure. Unlike thermoplastics that soften upon heating, thermosets undergo a permanent transformation when exposed to heat, pressure, or a chemical curing agent. Once cured, they cannot be melted or reshaped back into their original form. Thermosets are generally stronger and more heat-resistant than thermoplastics, making them valuable for applications requiring high durability. However, this also means they are not typically recyclable.
Epoxy Resin (ER)
Epoxy resin is a versatile and strong adhesive known for its excellent bonding properties. It's typically a two-part liquid that hardens when mixed, forming a tough and durable plastic-like material. Common uses include bonding objects together, creating tough floors and countertops and making composites like CFRP and GRP.
Melamine-Formaldehyde (MF)
Melamine formaldehyde (MF) is a hard, durable resin used in various wood products. MF is strong and durable and has good heat and moisture resistance. Common uses include laminates for countertops, flooring and bonding woods together.
Phenol Formaldehyde (PF)
Phenol formaldehyde, also known as Bakelite, is a strong and versatile plastic. It's known for its impressive strength and durability, making it a valuable material for adhesives, coatings, and molded parts. Phenol formaldehyde is also resistant to heat and moisture, allowing it to withstand tough conditions in various applications. Common uses include bonding wood in plywood and particleboard due to its water resistance, protecting surfaces like lab countertops or electrical components with coatings, and even some molded products like early telephones and billiard balls (though these uses have decreased).
Polyester Resin (PR)
Polyester resin is a synthetic material known for its versatility and strength. This resin is often used in combination with reinforcing materials like fiberglass, creating a composite material ideal for applications where both strength and lightweight properties are desired. You'll find polyester resin in everything from boats and surfboards to countertops and even some sculptures and artistic creations.
Urea-Formaldehyde (UF)
Urea formaldehyde (UF) is a resin offering a good balance of affordability, strength, and adhesive properties. It's widely used in the wood industry as a glue for plywood, particleboard, and other wood products. UF resin also finds applications in textiles (wrinkle-resistant fabrics), coatings for electrical appliances, and even as a preservative in some medical products.
Mechanical Properties of Materials
Glossary of Key Terms
-
Absorbency
-
Density
-
Fusibility
-
Mechanical properties
Absorbency describes a material's ability to take in and hold liquids. Imagine a thirsty sponge – it's a champion absorber, soaking up and retaining a lot of water. On the other hand, raincoat fabric repels water and dries quickly. Materials with high absorbency, like sponges and towels, are ideal for cleaning, drying, and hygiene applications. Conversely, materials with low absorbency, like raincoats and non-stick pans, help us stay dry or prevent unwanted moisture. Understanding absorbency is a key factor in designing many everyday products!
Density refers to how tightly packed the material is, essentially how much material is crammed into a given space. Imagine a solid brick compared to a hollow plastic ball. The brick has a higher density because it has more "stuff" per unit volume. A high-density material can still be very absorbent if it has a porous structure, filled with tiny holes throughout. Density does not equal mass as a material could be very dense but extremely light, such as metal foams. Low-density materials like felt, for example, are quite lightweight but can absorb liquids because of the spaces between its fibers.
Fusibility describes how easily a material melts or softens when heated. Imagine butter compared to a rock. Butter has a low melting point and is highly fusible, readily softening and melting in a pan. Rocks, on the other hand, have very high melting points and are considered low-fusibility materials. If a material has high fusibility, it is easier to soften of melt with heat. Conversely, if a material has low fusibility, then more heat is needed to soften or melt the material. Understanding fusibility is essential when choosing materials for different applications. It helps us select materials that can withstand high temperatures or those that can be easily melted and shaped for specific purposes.
The mechanical properties of a material act like its unique identity when it comes to how it handles physical forces and pressure. Imagine a rubber band that can stretch a great deal (ductile) before breaking, while a cracker crumbles easily (brittle) with minimal bending. These properties encompass a material's strength (how much force it can withstand), stiffness (resistance to bending or deforming), and elasticity (the ability to return to its original shape after being deformed). Understanding these properties is a game-changer for product designers. By knowing how a material reacts to stress, they can choose one that will perfectly match the forces the product will encounter in everyday use. Designers can avoid situations where the product might break or deform under normal use by understanding the material's limitations.
Compression
Compression strength is a material's ability to resist forces that push it together and try to make it smaller.
Toughness
Toughness describes a material's ability to absorb energy and resist fracturing under stress, combining both its strength and its ability to deform without breaking.
Bendibility
Bendability describes a material's capacity to be deformed or flexed without cracking or breaking.
Shear
Shear strength refers to a material's ability to resist forces that act parallel to its surface and try to make it slide or tear apart in layers.
Tortional
Torsional strength describes a material's ability to resist twisting forces that try to rotate it without breaking.
Hardness
Hardness describes a material's resistance to permanent surface indentation, scratching or chipping from an external force.
Tensile
Tensile strength refers to a material's ability to withstand pulling forces that try to stretch it and ultimately break it apart.
Plasticity
Plasticity describes a material's ability to deform permanently under stress, without breaking, and hold its new shape.
Ductility
Ductility describes a material's capacity to be stretched or elongated significantly before breaking, like a rubber band that can become much longer without snapping.
Malleability
Malleability describes a material's ability to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without cracking or breaking, like how gold can be flattened into ultrathin sheets for jewelry.
Elasticity
Elasticity describes a material's ability to bounce back to its original shape after being deformed or stretched, like a spring returning to its original length after being compressed.
Physical Properties of Materials
Glossary of Key Terms
-
Thermal properties
-
Optical properties
- Electrical properties
Understanding thermal properties is crucial in product design. It affects how well a product performs, how durable it is and how safe it is. Thermal properties even influence user comfort, like keeping cup handles cool. In short, understanding these properties helps designers create functional, long-lasting, and user-friendly products that can take advantage of how heat behaves in the materials.
Thermal Conductor
Thermal conductivity describes a material's ability to transfer heat from one area to another. Imagine a metal spoon quickly warming up in hot soup because it has high thermal conductivity. This also means certain materials can pull heat away from an area, keeping another area cool.
Thermal Insulator
Thermal insulation describes a material's resistance to heat flow, slowing down the transfer of heat from one area to another. This is why a pot holder made of a low thermal conductivity material like fabric or silicone can protect your hand from a hot pan, even though the pan itself may be very hot.
Thermal Expansion
Thermal expansion describes how a material's size changes, typically expanding when heated and contracting when cooled. This property is used in various applications. For instance, thermometers use the expansion of liquids like mercury to measure temperature changes.
The optical properties of a material describe how light interacts with it. This can include how much light is absorbed, reflected, or transmitted, and how the material affects the direction or speed of light. Understanding these properties is crucial for many applications, from designing lenses that focus light for eyeglasses to creating windows that allow light to pass through while blocking harmful UV rays. A common example is glass, which can be designed to be transparent for windows, reflective for mirrors, or have special coatings to absorb specific wavelengths of light, like the tinted windows in cars.
Opaque
When a material is fully opaque, this means it blocks all light from passing through it. For example, a polymer children's toy could be bright red in colour, without being able to see through the plastic.
Transluscent
When a material is transluscent, it allows some light to pass through it. This creates a foggy effect. A good example is tracing paper. The paper allows light to pass through however it is not fully see through.
Transparent
When a material is transparent, it allows most light to pass through it easily. Glass windows are fully transparent and allow natural light to fill a room. A new trend in product design is to have products see through, like the company Nothing which produces see through phones and earbuds.
Electrical properties describes a material's ability to allow electric current to flow through it. Think of copper wires in your house – they have high conductivity, efficiently carrying electricity to power your appliances. In contrast, materials with low conductivity, like rubber, act as insulators, resisting the flow of electricity and preventing dangerous shocks. This property is crucial for ensuring electrical safety in various products.
Electrical Conductor
When a material has high electrical conductivity, it easily passes electricity through itself. Considering the electrical conductivity of materials can increase a products efficiency as well as prevent accidental shocks or electrocution.
Electrical Insulator
When a material is a strong electrical insulator, it prevents the flow of electricity. These materials are incredibly important in products as they shield the user or other parts from electricity. Wiring is always wrapped in an insulating rubber coating to control the electricity to only travel along the conductive copper wire.