Essential Materials: Production Processes and Applications
Paper Production & Applications
Pulp Procurement Process
- Production of pulp (mechanical, semi-chemical, or chemical)
- Refining: Shredding and mixing
- Manufacture: Screening, pressing, drying, and glossing
Paper Applications
- New Paper: Writing, newspapers, magazine wrappers, drawing, legal tender notes, photography
- Recycled Paper: Similar applications to new paper (writing, newspapers, magazines, envelopes, drawing)
Paper for Images
Properties for image paper are variable, depending on weight and the additive manufacturing process.
Understanding Plastics: Types & Production
Natural Plastics
Production Processes:
- Compression
- Injection
Examples & Applications:
- Cellophane: Taping coils, rayon manufacturing
- Celluloid: Thin sheets, paper lamination, tubes
- Galalith: Textile fibers, adhesives, combs, buttons, knobs
- Natural Gums: Battery components, tires, electrical cable insulation
- Synthetic Rubber: (No specific applications listed)
Synthetic Thermoset Plastics
Production Processes:
- Compression
- Injection
Examples & Applications:
- Urea Resin: Switches, sockets, plugs, adhesives, varnishes
- Melamine: Kitchen furniture, toys, dinnerware, cutlery
- Bakelite: Bushings, housings, handles, coatings, adhesives
- Epoxy Resins: Glues, varnishes, enamels
- Polyester: Roofs, tanks, ship hulls, tissues
- Polyurethane: Mattresses, sponges, hermetic seals, varnishes
Synthetic Thermoplastic Plastics
Production Processes:
- Extrusion
- Blow Molding
- Vacuum Forming
Examples & Applications:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Pipes, valves, hoses, raincoats, boots
- Polystyrene: Coil cores, sheets, foams, rulers, pens
- Polyethylene: Insulators, sprockets, tool handles
- Methacrylate: Automotive glass replacement, furniture components
- Polyamide: Fabrics, cords, cables, packaging, bearings, belts
- Silicone: Insulating varnishes, hoses, insulation gaskets
Fibers: Sources, Types & Processing
Common Fabric Types
- Felt
- Mesh (Lace and Tulle)
- Knitwear
- Classic Plain Fabrics (Taffeta, Twill, Satin)
Fiber Procurement Process
- Gathering of fibers (washing, carding, combing)
- Collection of yarns (twisting, winding)
- Obtaining fabrics (weaving, knitting)
- Dyeing and printing
Natural Fibers
Types:
- Cotton, Flax, Hemp, Esparto, Wool, Silk, Asbestos
Artificial Fibers
Types:
- Rayon
Synthetic Fibers
Types:
- Polyamides, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl, Polypropylene
Advanced Materials: The Next Generation
Nanomaterials
Materials derived from nanotechnology.
Smart & Multifunctional Materials
These materials can reversibly respond to various controllable physical or chemical stimuli. They are classified as:
- Magnetoactive Materials
- Electroactive Materials
- Photoactive Materials
- Shape Memory Materials
Biomaterials
Materials that seek to replicate or mimic biological processes and materials, both organic and inorganic. They are applied in the development of bones, tissues, and biocompatible artificial muscles.