AQA · Design and Technology · 8552
GCSE Design & Technology: Materials (video)
The material categories — woods, metals, polymers, papers, textiles, composites and smart materials — from a GCSE/A-Level D&T overview. Each card deep-links to the video.
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What is the difference between physical properties and working properties of materials?
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Physical properties are the traits a material has before it is even used. Working properties are how a material behaves when it's manipulated or when forces are applied to it.
? is the resistance to scratching or indentation, which is different from toughness.
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Hardness
Do hardwoods come from deciduous or coniferous trees?
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Deciduous trees (broad-leaf trees). Softwoods come from coniferous trees.
Why does oak require finishing when used with steel fixings?
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Oak contains tannic acid which will corrode steel fixings, so it needs to be finished to prevent corrosion of metals.
Is balsa a hardwood or softwood?
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Balsa is a hardwood, even though it is lightweight and soft. People often mistakenly think it's a softwood.
Why does plywood have an odd number of layers?
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So that the top and bottom grain direction is parallel, which contributes to its strength and stability.
Is MDF lightweight or heavy compared to other materials?
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MDF is actually heavy and very dense—heavier than many hardwoods. It is a common misconception that it is lightweight.
MDF is highly susceptible to ? damage and expands when it absorbs water.
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moisture
What natural property makes cedar suitable for outdoor use?
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Cedar has natural resistance to decay and insect infestation, making it ideal for outdoor cladding, fences, and furniture.
What manufacturing process is used to make carbon fiber reinforced plastic and glass reinforced plastic?
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The lay-up lamination process, where fiber matting is pressed into a mold and resin is poured on top to fill the spaces. When the resin cures, it creates a hard shell-like structure.
What type of material is commonly used for the back of wardrobe backing?
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Hardboard, a thin manufactured board with a smooth surface.
What is chipboard typically finished with to improve its appearance in furniture?
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Veneers. Chipboard is unattractive on its own, so it's often veneered, especially in flat-pack furniture.
What does 'ferrous metal' mean?
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A metal that contains iron (Fe).
Mild steel contains approximately ? carbon.
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0.3%
Why are mild steel appliances like washing machines dip-coated?
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To protect against rust, because mild steel has poor corrosion resistance.
What happens to ferrous metals as carbon content increases?
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Strength and hardness increase, but the metal becomes more brittle.
What is an alloy?
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A mixture of two or more metals, usually to enhance properties.
Brass is an alloy of ? copper and 35% zinc.
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65%
Why is stainless steel suitable for cutlery used with food?
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It is corrosion resistant, so it will not rust and is therefore safe to use with food.
What does GSM stand for in paper measurement?
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Grams per square metre, used to measure the mass of paper.
Why is corrugated board strong in one direction but weak in another?
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The fluting (corrugated middle layer) resists compression upwards due to its ridges but can be compressed downwards.
What key property makes wool safer than other natural fibers in fire-risk environments?
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Wool is inherently flame resistant and has self-extinguishing properties.
What is a smart material?
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A material in which a stimulus (change in environment, such as heat, light, or electric current) causes a change in material properties.
Thermochromic pigments change color in response to a change in ?.
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temperature
Photochromic pigments change color in response to a change in ?.
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light intensity
What distinguishes thermoplastics from thermosets?
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Thermoplastics can be repeatedly reheated and reshaped; thermosets cannot be reheated and reshaped once cured.
Why do thermosets have cross-links between polymer strands?
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The cross-links lock the structure in place, preventing the material from being reheated and reshaped.
What property makes polypropylene suitable for ring binder hinges?
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Good fatigue resistance, allowing the hinges to be opened and closed many times without tearing or breaking.
Shape memory alloys return to their original shape when exposed to an external ?.
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stimulus
Give an example of a shape memory alloy and its application.
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Nitinol wire in dental braces, which returns to its original shape due to the warm temperature in the mouth.
What common property do most thermosets share?
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They are brittle.
What is an elastomer?
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A material that at room temperature can be deformed under pressure and then returns to its original shape (i.e., it is elastic).
Why are photochromic pigments used in welding goggles rather than reactive glass?
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Photochromic pigments can go fully opaque to block intense light, whereas reactive glass only becomes tinted and does not go fully opaque.
In Quantum Tunneling Composites (QTCs), a change in ? causes a change in electrical conductivity.
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pressure or strain
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