Modern Materials (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note

A modern material is one that has been developed through science to have improved characteristics, such as being stronger, lighter or more durable

Modern materials are often developed for very specific uses, such as high-performance machines and specialist products like medical devices

Graphene is:

•  a single layer of carbon atoms

• extremely thin, strong and flexible

• an excellent electrical and thermal conductor

• used for electronics such as touchscreens

• used by designers where they want to improve the strength of a product without adding significant weight, allowing for thinner products

Metal foams are:

• metals where bubbles have been created inside the metal, similar to the structure of a honeycomb

• very lightweight, have a good strength-to-weight ratio and can absorb impact and sound well

• used as a thermal insulators

• typically used at the front of cars to compress and absorb impact in a crash, protecting the passenger

• used to soundproof aircraft so passengers are protected from external noise

• used in aerospace and lightweight craft design

• provide both safety (absorbing energy) and help make vehicles light whilst also strong

Titanium is 

• a very strong and lightweight metal alloy

• very low density compared to its strength

• Titanium is corrosion resistant, making it compatible with use in wet conditions or in contact with the human body

• often used for specialist aircraft parts, due to being very strong and very lightweight

• ideal for medical implants inside the human body, such as replacements for damaged bones and joints

• used for high-end sports equipment due to being light to carry yet very strong

When designers are creating products, they might realise that there is not a suitable material to make the product from

Material scientists will look to alter existing materials to achieve a new material with the right properties or characteristics

Materials are often changed or enhanced to make them look different or function better

Coated metals are traditional metals which have a thin layer (coating) applied to their surface

The coating is typically applied to prevent corrosion (rusting), improve appearance or make the surface more durable

A common example is galvanised steel, where a zinc coating is applied to steel car frames to prevent rusting if the paint is damaged

Another example is chrome plating on steel, typically used for cutlery, applying a shiny, durable and waterproof coating that prevents the steel from rusting

Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are thin display screens made up of layers of liquid crystals which can change colour through electrical signals

LCDs allow electronic devices (like mobile phones and TV screens) to display images

LCDs are lightweight, thin and use very low amounts of energy

Nanomaterials are very small-scale engineered materials with highly specialised performance properties

Nanomaterials are typically significantly stronger and lighter than common materials

Specialist nanomaterials can be water repellent, self-cleaning and antibacterial

An example is carbon nanotubes, which when stretched can change how electricity passes through them, acting as a switch that relies on movement or shape change