BCM Unit-1
BCM Unit-1
Properties of Metals:
Conductivity: Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity due to
their free-moving electrons.
Malleability: Metals can be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without
breaking, owing to their crystalline structure.
Ductility: They can be drawn into wires without losing strength, making
them useful for electrical wiring.
Melting Point: Metals generally have high melting points, which makes
them suitable for various applications.
Luster: Most metals have a shiny appearance due to their ability to
reflect light.
Applications with Examples:
Copper (Cu): Known for its excellent electrical conductivity, copper is
extensively used in electrical wiring, circuits, and components.
Iron (Fe): Widely employed in construction as well as in manufacturing
machinery and tools due to its strength and durability.
Aluminum (Al): Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum is used in
aircraft construction, beverage cans, and packaging.
Gold (Au): Valued for its malleability and conductivity, gold finds
applications in jewelry, electronics, and as a monetary standard.
Lead (Pb): Despite its toxicity, lead is used in batteries, radiation
shielding, and certain alloys.
2) Discuss about composite materials and smart
materials with examples. ( at least 3 examples for
each ).
A) Composite Materials:
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP): This composite consists of
carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. CFRP is renowned for its
high strength-to-weight ratio, making it valuable in aerospace for
components like aircraft wings and structural elements. It’s also
prevalent in sports equipment like high-performance bicycles.
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP): FRP is a laminate composite
composed of a plastic matrix reinforced with fiberglass. Widely used in
boat construction, FRP offers excellent durability and resistance to
corrosion. Automotive applications, such as body panels, also benefit
from its lightweight and sturdy properties.
Concrete with Aggregates: Concrete, a widely used structural material,
becomes a composite when reinforced with aggregates like gravel or
crushed stone. This enhances its compressive strength, making it suitable
for construction in bridges, buildings, and infrastructure.
Smart Materials:
Nitinol (Shape Memory Alloy – SMA): Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy,
exhibits shape memory properties. It returns to a predetermined shape
when subjected to heat. In the medical field, Nitinol finds applications in
stents and braces due to its ability to adapt to physiological conditions
Piezoelectric Quartz Crystal: Piezoelectric materials, like quartz crystals,
convert mechanical stress into electrical voltage. Quartz crystals are
extensively used in sensors, actuators, and electronic devices, such as
watches and ultrasound equipment.
Dielectric Elastomers (Electroactive Polymers – EAPs): These polymers
change shape in response to an electric field. Dielectric elastomers are
vital in soft robotics, enabling the development of artificial muscles and
flexible actuators for applications in prosthetics and robotics.
Ferrous Metals:
Iron (Fe):
Properties: Iron is known for its strength, durability, and magnetic
properties. It can be alloyed with carbon to create steel, enhancing its
hardness and strength.
Applications: Used in construction for structural elements, bridges, and
pipelines. Steel, an alloy of iron, finds applications in automobile
manufacturing, infrastructure, and tools due to its strength and
versatility.
Steel (Iron Alloy):
Properties: Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, often with additional
elements like manganese and chromium. It combines strength, ductility,
and resistance to corrosion.
Applications: Widely used in the construction industry for buildings,
bridges, and reinforcement. Stainless steel, with added chromium, is
employed in kitchen appliances, cutlery, and medical instruments due to
its corrosion resistance.
Non-Ferrous Metals:
Aluminum (Al):
Properties: Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has good
conductivity. It can be easily formed and is non-magnetic.
Applications: Used in aircraft construction, automotive parts, and
beverage cans due to its lightweight nature. Aluminum alloys are also
common in structural components for their strength.
Copper (Cu):
Properties: Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat,
malleable, and ductile. It forms a green patina when exposed to air.
Applications: Essential in electrical wiring and components due to its
conductivity. Used in plumbing, roofing, and as an alloy (e.g., bronze) for
various applications like statues and musical instruments.