1. Modern Materials

2. What are Modern materials? Modern materials are those which are continuously being developed by the invention of new or improved processes. Unlike Smart materials, their characteristics do not necessarily change with external effects such as temperature or pressure. The X33 - next generation shuttle Source: www.tc.cornell.edu/Research/CMI/ RLVsource/Pics/x33-bigr.jpg

3. Modern Materials Teflon Teflon is a polymer with very low surface adhesion (non-stick) characteristics. Teflon is used on cooking utensils, like frying pans… Teflon frying pan Source: www.amazon.comwww.amazon.com

4. Modern Materials Teflon … also as a dry bearing material in machines and even in clothing to resist stains and moisture absorption. Teflon fabric coating causes moisture to “bead” on the surface. Source: www.fjallraven.comwww.fjallraven.com

5. Modern Materials Optical fibres Optical fibres are long, thin, hollow tubes usually made from glass, which have a mirrored inner surface. They are designed to carry light for extremely long distances and function on the basis of total internal reflection. Optical fibres Source: www.bbc.co.ukwww.bbc.co.uk Click here Click here for more information and an animation on optical fibres on the UlearnToday website

6. Modern Materials Carbon Fibre Carbon fibre is often used to provide strength in a composite with other materials. It has very high tensile strength and produces very strong, lightweight material. Carbon fibre sheet Source: www.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/ davebrian/cdev/sheet.htmwww.freenetpages.co.uk/hp/ davebrian/cdev/sheet.htm

7. Modern Materials Carbon Fibre Carbon fibre is often used to manufacture lightweight equipment for high tech applications – for example in racing cars and boats. Racing car seat made from carbon fibre Source: www.340r.net/newswww.340r.net/news

8. Modern Materials Carbon Fibre Carbon fibre is often used to manufacture lightweight equipment for high tech applications – for example in racing cars and boats. Carbon fibre reinforced speed sailing craft Source: www.compositespars.comwww.compositespars.com

9. Modern Materials Composite materials A composite material is formed from a combination of materials which are bonded together. They can be composed of fibers, layers of materials (laminates), particles or flakes. Lightweight carbon composite bike frame Source: www.cobr.co.ukwww.cobr.co.uk

10. Modern Materials Composite materials A composite material is formed from a combination of materials which differ in composition or form and are bonded together. They can be composed of fibers, layers of materials (laminates) or composed of particles or flakes. Composite motor bike wheels Source: www.dymag.com/ Motorcycle%20Homepage.www.dymag.com/ Motorcycle%20Homepage.

11. Modern Materials Cellular materials Metallic foams have low density, high strength and stiffness, good damping and energy absorption and are non flammable. Applications inlcude transportation, as well as in the aero and space industry. Cellular metal foam Source: www.oeaw.ac.atwww.oeaw.ac.at

12. Modern Materials Genetically modified foods Scientists are developing new plant strains by changing their genetic structure (DNA). The new plants can be pest or drought resistant to help third world countries; onions that don’t make you cry or; caffeine free coffee, to name but a few. GM corn Source: http://globalchange.umich.eduhttp://globalchange.umich.edu

13. Modern Materials Synthetic flavours Did you know that hedgehog flavour crisps aren’t really made from hedgehogs! Synthetic flavours can be manufactured to taste like natural products. Check out your next crisp packet! Source: www.learn.co.ukwww.learn.co.uk

14. Modern Materials Modern fabrics and fibres A wide range of modern materials are being developed to improve:- waterproofing (eg Gortex), stain resistance (eg Teflon), thermal insulation (eg Polartec) stretchiness (eg Lycra) Polartec dog jacket Source: www.rvrg.comwww.rvrg.com