Ceramics and polymers are compounds. Composites are a mixture of compounds.
Ceramics
Ceramics are materials which are hard and brittle. They are made by baking a starting material in an oven that is extremely hot. they are stiff and insulators of heat and electricity.
Examples
Porcelain
Glass
Polymers
Polymers are long chains of repeating units known as monomers. Plastics are polymers.
Properties
Generally, polymers are insulators of heat and electricity
Flexible
Malleable
Light
Examples
Nylon
PVC
Poly(ethene)
Composites
Forming a composite material consisting of a mixture of compounds can be useful as desired properties can be obtained.
examples
uses
Properties
Fibreglass
Boats and surfboards
Consists of glass fibres in plastic
Has low density
Very strong
Concrete
Building material
Made from a mixture of sand and gravel embedded in cement
Squashable material
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Pure substances and mixtures
Unit 2
Atoms, elements and compounds
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Unit 3
Ceramics, polymers and composites
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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of ceramics?
Examples of ceramics are porcelain, brakes in cars and glass.
What is a composite?
Composites are a mixture of compounds.
What are some examples of composites?
Examples of composites are fibreglass and concrete.