Typical properties discussion on different options in types of polymer (thermoplastic, thermosetting and elastomers) • and applications of the the homework source (oil and natural sources) and sustainability issues • materials (2b) comparative activity processing for use, leading to basic polymer chemistry and how • properties of crosslinking affects polymers Speaking and Identifying / the material forms of supply • justifying listening skills used appropriate in the research Practical activity: the effect of crosslinking could be demonstrated materials (2c) activity, to work with through modelling with cooked spaghetti (free movement in a partner and to thermoplastics, constrained by a solidified sauce in thermosets). Chemistry of Engineering share findings with Learners could also manufacture a polymer from natural materials, chemistry polymers (3f) the group. Writing such as milk (with vinegar as a catalyst) to make a simple shape in (AO3) skills used in the an MDF mould. Crosslinking (3g) homework activity Possible reference sources for this could include or Mechanical Properties of materials properties (1a) Research activity: Working in pairs, learners could use the internet to (AO1) identify typical applications for specific named polymers of each type, Physical properties identifying the properties that make the named polymer a suitable (1b) choice for that application. They should share their findings with the group. Properties required in an application Homework: write a magazine article or blog investigating the (1c) sustainability of plastic products, ranging from sourcing through to disposal. They could also suggest possible replacements for specific non-renewable polymers in identified applications. Possible support materials for this topic include and . 9 Engineering Sources and forms Theme material: polymers Review of the Learners will need materials of materials (2a) test results; to quantify the (AO2) Practical activity: learners manufacture test samples in results of the testing Typical properties different types of polymer (at least one from each of the three main discussion on
Engineering chemistry (AO3) Properties of materials (AO1) Typical properties and applications of materials (2b) Identifying / justifying appropriate materials (2c) Chemistry of polymers (3f) Crosslinking (3g) Mechanical properties (1a) Physical properties (1b) Properties required in an application (1c) • types of polymer (thermoplastic, thermosetting and elastomers) • source (oil and natural sources) and sustainability issues • processing for use, leading to basic polymer chemistry and how crosslinking affects polymers • forms of supply Practical activity: the effect of crosslinking could be demonstrated through modelling with cooked spaghetti (free movement in thermoplastics, constrained by a solidified sauce in thermosets). Learners could also manufacture a polymer from natural materials, such as milk (with vinegar as a catalyst) to make a simple shape in an MDF mould. Possible reference sources for this could include or Research activity: Working in pairs, learners could use the internet to identify typical applications for specific named polymers of each type, identifying the properties that make the named polymer a suitable choice for that application. They should share their findings with the group. Homework: write a magazine article or blog investigating the sustainability of plastic products, ranging from sourcing through to disposal. They could also suggest possible replacements for specific non-renewable polymers in identified applications. Possible support materials for this topic include and . discussion on the comparative properties of the material different options in the homework activity Speaking and listening skills used in the research activity, to work with a partner and to share findings with the group. Writing skills used in the homework activity 9 Engineering materials (AO2) Sources and forms of materials (2a) Typical properties Theme material: polymers Practical activity: learners manufacture test samples in different types of polymer (at least one from each of the three main Review of the test results; discussion on Learners will need to quantify the results of the testing