1.4 Composites, ceramics and timber

Which of these is NOT a composite material?

• Concrete
• Wood
• Pure metal
• Plastic

The correct definition for a composite material is....

• A material made from only one type of constituent material which remains physically distinct within its structure

• A material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different properties which remain physically distinct within its structure

• A material made from synthetic fibres only remaining distinct in the matrix

• A material made from organic compounds only remaining distinct in the matrix

In a composite material, what is the matrix?

• The material that conducts electricity
• The material that binds together the reinforcement materials
• The material that provides strength and rigidity
• The main component of the composite material

Which of the following is NOT a composite material?

• Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CRP)

• Glass reinforced plastic (GRP)

• Plywood

• Glass

Which of these properties of the materials used will NOT have an effect of the properties of the composite material?

• Size

• Shape

• Quantity

• Colour

What is timber?

• A type of fabric used in clothing
• A type of metal used in construction
• A type of plastic used in manufacturing
• Wood prepared for use in construction or carpentry

Structural grades of timber produced from pine, cedar and spruce are better know as...

• maple timber

• oak timber

• softwood timber

• hardwood timber

Timber is usually sawn into standard sizes and shapes. With which piece of equipment is rough sawn timber changed into a smoother surfaced material?

• Hammer

• Anvil

• Planer

• Coping saw

What is a ceramic material?

• a type of material that is typically an oxide, nitride or carbide of a metal

• a type of material that is typically an oxide, of a high yielding polymer

• a type of material that is typically an oxide, nitride or carbide of a non-metal

• a type of material that is typically able to withstand high temperatures

Which answer is correct?

• Ceramic material are typically hard wearing with excellent conductance so they are electrical and thermal conductors and withstand high temperatures.

• Ceramic material are typically very hard with excellent resistance to corrosion. They are good electrical and thermal insulators and withstand high temperatures.

• Ceramic material are typically very soft with minimum resistance to temperature. They are good electrical and thermal insulators and withstand high temperatures.

• Ceramic material are typically very malleable with excellent resistance to weathering. They are good electrical and thermal conductors and as such withstand high temperatures.