OverviewofthePresentation-t4.pptVIP

Materials Technology Degradation of Materials Overview - Degradation of Materials OPTION The student will learn about… The effect of environmental conditions on the mechanical and physical properties of materials The student will be able to… Describe the conditions that cause the physical, chemical and biological degradation of materials. Describe how materials degrade in certain conditions and how materials are altered by degradation. Degradation of Materials Corrosion is the deterioration of a material as a result of a reaction with its environment, especially with oxygen (oxidation). Finishing of Materials Wood The environmental factors that affect degradation in wood are; Biological organisms – fungi and insects Risk of wetting or permanent contact with water Wood is susceptible to attack when the moisture content exceeds 20% Degradation of Materials Physical and Mechanical effects of degradation in wood Change in cross-sectional dimensions, swelling and shrinkage Strength and stiffness decrease as moisture content increases Durability is affected Coatings can be compromised Degradation of Materials Plastics It is widely accepted that plastics do not corrode however micro organisms which can decompose low density polyethylene do exist Degradation of Materials Plastics Elastomers can cause other plastics to corrode or melt due to prolonged contact e.g. rubber left on a setsquare Degradation of Materials Plastics UV light will weaken certain plastics and produce a chalky faded appearance on the exposed surface Degradation of Materials Plastics Heat will weaken or melt certain plastics even at relatively low temperatures Degradation of Materials Plastics Cold can cause some plastics to become brittle and fracture under pressure Degradation of Materials Plastics Mould can grow on plastics in moist humid conditions Degradation of Materials Plastics Bio-degradation – the chemical breakdown in the body of synthetic solid phase polymers Deg