The document discusses various factors to consider when choosing materials for different applications. It lists mechanical, optical, aesthetic and cost properties as important characteristics to evaluate. The document also discusses classifying materials into groups like ceramics, metals, polymers and composites based on their properties, giving examples of each type. Students are assigned to research these material classes and describe examples and characteristics.

1. Designer Materials Why do we make things out of the materials that we do..? May 29, 2009

2. Which to Use..? In pairs, list the factors that you think are important when choosing a material to make: Designer Sunglasses A bridge over the River Trent A Cornflakes Box A disposable camera A bicycle - what are the two extremes?

3. Material Considerations Designer Sunglasses A bridge over the River Trent A Cornflakes Box A disposable camera A bicycle - what are the two extremes? Designer Sunglasses A bridge over the River Trent A Cornflakes Box A disposable camera A bicycle - what are the two extremes?

4. Characteristics of Materials The following are considered when choosing a material… Mechanical Properties - e.g. Is something STIFF or FLEXIBLE, TOUGH or BRITTLE, ELASTIC or PLASTIC, HARD or SOFT, LIGHT or HEAVY? Optical Properties - OPAQUE, TRANSPARENT or TRANSLUCENT? Aesthetics and Cost - Does it look nice and or is it cheap?

5. Characteristics of Materials Looking at the samples around the room; Decide on which characteristics match which description Try to categorise the various materials under common characteristics - what do you notice?

6. Characteristics of Materials Looking at the samples around the room; Decide on which characteristics match which description Try to categorise the various materials under common characteristics - what do you notice? IT IS DIFFICULT TO CLASSIFY MATERIALS INTO GROUPS AS CHARACTERISTIC COMBINATIONS ARE DIFFERENT!!!

7. Does structure make a difference? Your challenge is to make a bridge that spans a 30cm gap The best design will be the bridge that has the highest load to mass ratio. All you can use is paper..!

8. Classifying Materials There are several classes of material - you need to know about… Ceramics Metals Polymers Composites Using pages 77 to 82, research these classes of material. Write down: Some examples Key characteristics of the class or material

9. Private Study Choose a product of your choice and draw a picture of it. Write a short explanation about the various materials used, the characteristics of the materials and how they ensure that the product serves its purpose.