Group Members and the Materials Group MembersMaterials 1.Ryan Teo 2.Shao Wei 3.Yong Ming 4.Daren Tung 1.Plastics 2.Glass

Plastics Glass

History of Plastics  Humankind has been using natural plastics for thousands of years.  It really all started in 1862 when Alexander Parkes launched his invention “Parkesine” at the Great International Exhibition in London, England.  Early plastics based on natural products shared numerous drawbacks. After World War II ( ), new polymer discoveries accelerated..

Common Properties of Plastics  light-weight,  floats on water ( most but not all ),  waterproof,  flexible,  strong,  durable,  Transparent / translucent / opaque,  poor conductor of heat,  Does not conduct electricity,  Not easily broken,  not easily biodegradable (a material that can’t be destroyed by natural processes)  Non-magnetic

Uses of Plastics in the past Bakelite – Plug covers, Handles of electrical appliances and cooking utensils Polythene – Shopping plastic bags, pails PVC – Raincoats, umbrellas, water pipes Nylon – Carpets, fishing nets Polyethyelene (1950s) – Hula Hoop Polypropylene (1953) – battery cases, tubes, Teflon (1938) – Non stick cooking utensils General – Disposable utensils ( Forks and Spoons ), Toys

Uses of Plastics in the present Automobile Industry –C–Cars, –B–Buses, –H–Heavy machinary Aerospace Industry –A–Aeroplanes, –H–Helicopters, –M–Missiles, Rockets Health Industry –M–Medical instruments, Dental fillings, –O–Optical lenses, –B–Biocompatible joints ( To replace parts of the body during surgery ) Polystyrene – Boxes, Food containers, Styrofoam

History of Glass  Glass is thought to have been first created around 3000 BC, during the bronze age.  Egyptian glass beads date back to about 2500 BC.  In the 1600s, a process whereby lead was added to the glass mixture was patented.  Venice was the world's major glass-making centre, as it had been for 400 years since 1400AD.  During the nineteenth century, basic methods of glass production had not changed much.

Common Properties of Glass  Light  Can be transparent ( eg: Clear Glass )  Can be translucent ( eg: Tempered Glass )  Can be colourful ( eg: Frosted Glass )  Can be hard  It is fragile ( breaks easily )  It does not conduct electricity.

Uses of Glass in the past Windows, Spectacle lenses, Television Screen, Kitchenware, Bottles, Fish Tanks, Shower doors, Table tops, Ornaments, Crystals

Uses of Glass in the present Optical Glass –microscopes, –telescopes, –cameras Glass Ceramics –space shuttle tiles, –rocket nosecones Glass Fibers Glass bricks – hollow construction blocks

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