Modern Materials in the Service of Man
January 9th, 2003
Presentation to the Worth Probus Meeting, Poynton Civic Hall
S F Bush
Introduction
Manufactured modern materials divide broadly into three categories:
- METALS (e.g. steel, aluminium)
- SYNTHETIC POLYMERS (e.g. polythene, polyester [Terylene])
- CERAMICS (e.g. cement, tableware)
Metals and synthetic polymers are produced in about equal volumes.
The production of cement and bricks for construction is much larger.
Naturally occurring materials which we shape include:
- Stone and Rock – Ceramics
- Wood and Leather – Polymers
Most of the materials developments in the last 60 years have centred on designing and making synthetic:
- Polymers
- Semi-conductors (for electronics)
| Familiar names include | |
|---|---|
| Type | Invented |
| Polythene | UK 1933 |
| Nylon | USA 1939 |
| Terylene (polyester) | UK 1941 |
| Perspex (acrylic) | UK/Germany 1935 |
| Polypropylene | Italy/Germany 1958 |
| Polyurethane | Germany 1937 |
| uPVC | Germany 1930 |
The basis of all these is the CHAIN of many units.