Plastics are often frowned upon. This is because people often think of them as cheap and not aesthetically pleasing.

Plastics Plastics are often frowned upon. This is because people often think of them as cheap and not aesthetically pleasing. However they come in many different forms and often look very nice. Obviously there are types that do give the product a bad name. Mainly the cheap toys that are produced in the far east. This is not right and plastics should be seen as a real alternative and be able offer a huge amount of uses for this product. Polymers Polymers such as rubber, plastics and adhesives are organic structures. They can be natural, like amber and shellac, modified natural materials, like cellulose and casein, or synthetic, like nylon and polypropylene. Synthetic polymers are produced from gas, coal or oil products. Large molecules are built up by the connection of many base units, the monomer molecule, to give a polymer. This process is called polymerisation and as the polymer grows, perhaps to several thousand atoms, the melting point increases and it becomes stronger and more rigid. Polymers are lightweight, have good corrosion resistance but relatively low strength and conductivity and do not retain their properties at high temperatures. There are three main types of polymer structure which all react in different ways when heated: • thermoplastics, • thermosets, • elastomers. Thermoplastic articles can be formed at high temperatures, cooled, reheated and

  • Word count: 646
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

The Wonder of Flight

The Wonder of Flight "Quiet, please," said the ageing man sitting at the head of the table. He tapped the glass in front of him and waited for its sound to fade away before he spoke again. "You have been called here today by Mr Mellows to evaluate his new idea for us to market. Mr Mellows" "Thank you. Since the dawn of time, man has envied the ability which only a select few creatures have, the ability to fly. "Man has tried to fly before, none too successfully- take Icarus and his attempt to defy gravity. But I believe that it is possible. I have designed a machine which, despite its weight, can leave the ground for a period of time, with the added weight of two grown men. "I have begun to build it but have nowhere near the money or resources to complete it alone. This is where I ask you to help me." The talk gradually drifted into the physics of the machine. Julius Ellison would normally have drifted off by now- the clients he had were usually either madmen or trying to sell 'radical' products which were in fact useless. He noticed that his six colleagues had all lost concentration, but he was enthralled. The idea of flight had always excited him, ever since he saw the first bird, flying a thousand miles overhead, without a care in the world, he had wondered how they did it, and how he could. Suddenly, he realised how lucky Mr Mellows was. How much money

  • Word count: 808
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

THE BENEFITS OF RECYCLING

THE BENEFITS OF RECYCLING http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/Recycle.htm WHAT IS RECYCLING? Recycling involves the separation and collection of materials for processing and remanufacturing into new products, and the use of the products to complete the cycle. Much of the aluminum, glass, paper and steel used for packaging today is already recycled. Half the nation's aluminum cans are made from recycled aluminum, and one-quarter of the raw fibers used in the paper industry are from recycled paper products. Glass and steel used in containers can be recycled over and over. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Recycling Saves Natural Resources Recycling Saves Energy Recycling Saves our Environment NATURAL RESOURCES Our finite reserves of natural resources are being depleted rapidly, particularly with the increasing use of disposable products and packaging. Pennsylvanians recycled 4.1 million tons in 2002. This rate of use and disposal takes a particularly heavy toll on irreplaceable natural resources from our forests and mines. Reprocessing used materials to make new products and packaging reduces the consumption of natural resources. By recycling 620,000 tons of steel in 2002, Pennsylvanians saved 775,000 tons of iron ore, 434,000 tons of coal, and 37,000 tons of limestone. Through recycling newsprint, office paper and mixed paper, we saved nearly 7

  • Word count: 1221
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

Technical Report The Construction of Alloy Wheels

Technical Report The Construction of Alloy Wheels Dan Peart A223245 Integrating Studies Introduction Aluminium alloy wheels are now used in all branches of Motor Racing, ranging from Touring cars and Rally cars to Formula One cars. The Alloy wheels offer far superior mechanical properties than the conventional steel wheels formerly used. These benefits include reduced un-sprung weight, i.e. not held by the suspension, providing more precise steering input and improved responsiveness. Alloy wheels also improve acceleration and braking due to the reduction of weight. The added strength of a quality alloy wheel can significantly reduce wheel/tire deflection in cornering. This is particularly critical with a vehicle equipped with high performance tires where lateral forces may approach 1.0g. The metals in alloy wheels are excellent conductors of heat - improving heat dissipation from the brakes - reducing risk of brake fade under demanding conditions. Additionally, alloy wheels can be designed to allow more air to flow over the brakes, this can help cooling. The alloy used in the finest road wheels today is a blend of aluminium and other elements. The term "mag wheel" is sometimes incorrectly used to describe alloy wheels. Magnesium is generally considered to be an unsuitable alloy for road usage due to its brittle nature and susceptibility to corrosion. Nowadays, there

  • Word count: 2173
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

The Effect of Different Types of Insulation on Heat Retention

The Effect of Different Types of Insulation on Heat Retention Aim I am going to investigate the effect of different types of material on heat retention. "Which of the four materials, cotton, foam, aluminium foil and bubble wrap, is the best insulator?" Hypothesis The four materials tested in this experiment are cotton, foam, aluminium foil, and bubble wrap. Materials that are good insulators will absorb heat slowly and therefore the water inside the cup will stay warm for a longer period of time. Materials vary in their heat conductivity and in their insulation capacity. Foam is 95 percent air so the air molecules slow down the heat transfer from the liquid, so it stays warmer longer than cotton insulation. This leads me to predict that foam would be the best insulator, as it would trap the heat more, which will cause deficient heat lost. Identification of Variables There are three variables I will take in consideration whilst carrying out my investigation. The independent variable will be the types of materials used for insulation, which will be cotton, newspaper, aluminium foil, and black insulator. My control variables would be the temperature of the water, 80° Celsius. The dependent variable in my investigation will be the amount of heat loss. Scientific Theory The different types of energy transfers that will be taking place during this experiment will be

  • Word count: 1713
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

My aim is to investigate which material would be the best for making the base of the pan from.

Science investigation Introduction I am going to heat the ends of the different types of rods so that the heat passes to the Vaseline, which should eventually melt and gradually the pins should fall off. The one that drops the quickest would be the best material for the base of the pan. Aim My aim is to investigate which material would be the best for making the base of the pan from. Research From my research I have found out the factors that will affect my investigation are; the type of material which will be used, the temperature of the flame from the Bunsen burner, temperature of the room, the amount of Vaseline used and the distance of the flame from the material. Apparatus The apparatus that will be used are; a Bunsen burner to heat up the rods, stop clock to time how long it takes for the pins to drop, tripod to put the different type of materials on, heat proof mat to place the tripod on it for safety, Vaseline so the pins stick to the materials and the pins, to find out which material heats up fastest. My prediction My prediction is that Iron will be the best conductor as it is heavier and is also very hard wearing. Iron is a good conductor of heat, slower to heat up and it also retains the heat longer. The main attraction of copper pans is their appearance and the fact that copper is a good conductor of heat. The disadvantages are that they are more

  • Word count: 1290
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

Investigation Report - What are the most effective materials that can be used to block off infrared (IR) signals emitted by a TV remote control?

Investigation Report What are the most effective materials that can be used to block off infrared (IR) signals emitted by a TV remote control? Abstract: When I watch TV, I often wonder how the signal sent by the remote control can travel by an invisible path to reach the receiver some 2 metres away. But what if that invisible path was blocked off using particular materials? Would the signal still reach the receiver? Hypothesis: Transparent materials such as glass and thin, pallid materials such as paper, tissue and linen are the least effective, while solid materials such as wood and metal will be most effective in blocking off weak IR signals emitted by the TV remote. Aim: To test which materials are most effective in blocking off signals emitted by a standard TV remote control. And to determine if thickness of material plays a role. Variables: Independent variable - materials tested Dependent variable - signal blocked or unblocked Controlled variables - remote control (strength of IR signal), TV set (receiver), distance and general location of where the IR signal is emitted, angle of remote, thickness of material, width of material, distance between the front of the remote and the material, button on remote. Risk Assessment: According to internet source: http://home.t-online.de/home/manfred.bromba/indicard/iriexpe.htm * don't look directly into a beam of IR

  • Word count: 929
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

Desk and floor lamp research - aesthetics, cost, safety and function of different lamps on sale.

Aesthetics Adjustable arm and head for easy directing of light. Has a chrome finish and plastic base and glass reflector Energy efficient clip-on light with a flexible neck provides low heat illumination that can reduce eye strain. Made from ceramic and is a design that would fit well into a living room as it is more of an ornament than a lamp A floor lamp with a steel, nickel-plated stem and a square base with a polystyrene plastic shade. Provides light for a workspace but also it acts as a docking system and speakers for your ipod at the same time. Comes in a dark antique rust metal finish and is topped by a Brussels linen natural fabric shade Cost £29.99 good sensible price and matches the quality of the product £64.99 is an expensive price, but is justified by being energy efficient. The lamps price is £40 which is a good price for such a unique lamp. £59.95 is a reasonable price and reflects the quality of the product. £99 is steep for a normal lamp but quite cheap with the docking. £121 expensive but is justified by the quality of the product Client A student or professional to have on a desk, to help looking at documents or suchlike. A young stylish person who doesn't mind spending more to get a good quality product. Someone looking for something different to help add character to their living space. For a young couple who are not that well

  • Word count: 697
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

Product design essay - Two successful designers Jonathan lve and Verner Panton.

In this essay I am going to write about Jonathan lve, who succeeded his imagination which made him design and produced products that is used regularly by his costumers. I will demonstrate all his products and his latest design, how he was influenced and who did he influence with his great creations. Jonathan "Jony" ive, born in February 1967. Jonathan Ive was born in Chingford, London. He is English designer and the Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple Inc. He is the chief designer of the iMac, aluminium and titanium PowerBook G4, MacBook, unibody MacBook Pro, iPod, iPhone, and iPad. He is now a successful vice president of the worldwide company, apple. He has been leading the world's most respected technology designing teams, since 1996. STUDY He was raised by his teacher father and attended Chingford Foundation School then he went on to attend Walton High School in Stafford, Staffordshire, next he studied Industrial Design at Northumbria University. Jonathan Ive moved to the United States in 1992 to pursue his career at Apple Inc. since a young age, Jonathan had developed a passion for finding and discovering out how and what things were made out of, and how they were designed. REWARDS Ive was the winner of the Design Museum's first Designer of the Year award in 2002, and won again in 2003. In 2004, he was a juror for the award. Also in 2005, he

  • Word count: 735
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay

Explain how research material was gathered and used within the drama process

Name: Michael Sims Candidate Number: 8178 Centre Number: 56515 Explain how research material was gathered and used within the drama process When we first began discussing the possible content of our play we were provided with stimulus materials to help us develop our ideas. This included newspaper articles, pictures and extracts from several poems. This selection allowed us to work with a number of influences that we otherwise would not have had. As we further developed our ideas we no longer needed this original stimuli as our concepts had progressed, however, after working with this literature, we were aware of what kinds of research would be useful in developing the play. And so, these stimuli not only helped us to develop our content, they also showed us how we should be conducting our research. Throughout the process, both stimulus and research materials were worked with in the same way; on finding a useful piece of literature or music, we presented it to the group, discussed it, and then either intergraded it into the play, or deciding that it was not useful, it was discarded. This method kept an open dialogue within the group allowing opinions to be constructively voiced, and so, even if the actual material was not used, new ideas were always being developed. When we began to write the play the majority of our ideas had been developed from original war based

  • Word count: 1056
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Design & Technology
Access this essay