Polymers in the Aircraft Industry Quiz

What is the primary reason polymers are used in the aircraft industry?

• To increase the weight of components

• To decrease the durability of components

• To increase the cost of production

• To reduce the weight of components

Answer explanation

Polymers are primarily used in the aircraft industry to reduce the weight of components. Lighter materials contribute to improved fuel efficiency and overall performance, making them essential for modern aircraft design.

Which of the following is a naturally occurring polymer?

• Polyethylene

• Nylon

• Silk

• Neoprene

Answer explanation

Silk is a naturally occurring polymer produced by silkworms, while polyethylene, nylon, and neoprene are synthetic polymers. Therefore, silk is the correct answer.

What is the most common starting material for most man-made polymers?

• Crude oil

• Natural gas

• Wood

• Coal

Answer explanation

Crude oil is the primary source for most synthetic polymers, as it contains hydrocarbons that can be chemically transformed into various plastic materials. Other options like natural gas, wood, and coal are less common for this purpose.

Which property is NOT typically required for polymers used in aircraft manufacture?

• High thermal properties

• Low mechanical properties

• Optical properties

• Flame resistance

Answer explanation

Polymers used in aircraft must have high thermal properties, flame resistance, and sometimes specific optical properties. Low mechanical properties are not desirable, as they would compromise structural integrity.

What is a characteristic of amorphous polymers?

• They have a well-defined order in solid state

• They are generally opaque

• They can be produced in transparent form

• They are always crystalline

Answer explanation

Amorphous polymers lack a well-defined structure, allowing them to be produced in transparent forms, unlike crystalline polymers which are typically opaque and have ordered arrangements.

Which of the following is a consequence of crystallization in polymers?

• Increased clarity

• Greater shrinkage as it cools

• Easier to bond using adhesives

• Less rigidity

Answer explanation

Crystallization in polymers leads to greater shrinkage as they cool due to the ordered structure formed, which contracts more than amorphous regions. This is a key consequence of crystallization.

What is a common use for polymers in modern aircraft production?

• To make the aircraft more opaque

• To reduce the strength of the aircraft

• To increase the weight of the aircraft

• To provide the matrix in composite materials

Answer explanation

Polymers are commonly used in modern aircraft production to provide the matrix in composite materials, which enhances strength while reducing weight, making aircraft more efficient and durable.

What is the process of combining two or more different monomers in a single polymer chain called?

• Copolymerisation

• Blending

• Branching

• Cross-linking

Answer explanation

The process of combining two or more different monomers into a single polymer chain is called copolymerisation. This technique allows for the creation of polymers with varied properties, unlike blending, branching, or cross-linking.

Which additive is used to prevent damage to the polymer by ultraviolet radiation?

• Fillers

• Flame retardants

• Stabilisers

• Plasticisers

Answer explanation

Stabilisers are additives specifically designed to protect polymers from degradation caused by ultraviolet radiation, ensuring their longevity and performance.

What is the effect of introducing large groups of atoms along the polymer chain?

• Increases ductility

• Decreases stiffness

• Reduces the ability of the chain to flex

• Increases flexibility

Answer explanation

Introducing large groups of atoms along the polymer chain creates steric hindrance, which reduces the ability of the chain to flex. This rigidity limits the polymer's flexibility and overall movement.