THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

COURSE: SCMT 110B Science of Materials

QUIZ 2

DATE: Wednesday 18th November 2009 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS Students are required to answer ALL questions. Use the space provided below each question. Duration of exam is 1.5 hours. This exam is worth 10%

Questions
1. (a) One of the possible applications of advanced ceramics is its use in making parts of a heat engine including engine blocks, piston coatings and jet engines. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using ceramics for this application? 6 marks

(b)

For a ceramic compound, what are the two characteristics of the component ions that determine the crystal structure? 2 marks

(c) Cite one reason why ceramic materials are, in general, harder yet more brittle than metals. 2 marks

(2) For each of the following pairs of polymers, plot and label schematic stress-strain curves on the same graph (i.e. make separate plots for parts i,ii and iii. (i) Polyisoprene having a number-average molecular weight of 100,000g/mol and 10% of available sites crosslinked: polyisoprene having a number-average molecular weight of 100,000g/mol and 20% of available sites crosslinked. 3 marks Syndiotactic polypropylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000g/mol;atactic polypropylene having a weight average molecular weight of 75,000g/mol. 3 marks (iii) Branched polyethylene having number average molecular weight of 90,000g/mol; heavily crosslinked polyethylene having a number average molecular weight of 90,000 g/mol. 3 marks

(ii)

3.

(i)

What is the difference between cement and concrete?

2 marks

(ii)

What are three (3) important limitations that restrict the use of concrete as a structural material? 3 marks

(iii)

Briefly explain three (3) techniques that are utilized to strengthen concrete by reinforcement. 4 marks

4.

(a)

Distinguish between the terms corrosion and degradation. 4 marks

(b)

Briefly describe at least six (6) forms of corrosion.

12 marks