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Modern technology relies on a wide range of materials beyond metals and alloys. Ceramics, polymers and composites are three important categories of materials that you need to understand for AQA GCSE Chemistry: Using Resources. Each has distinct properties that make it suitable for specific applications.
Ceramics are non-metallic solids that are made by shaping and then heating to high temperatures (a process called firing or sintering). They include traditional materials like pottery and bricks, as well as advanced materials like silicon carbide.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Hard | Resistant to scratching and wear |
| Brittle | Shatter rather than bend when a force is applied |
| Stiff | Resist deformation |
| High melting point | Can withstand very high temperatures |
| Electrical insulators | Do not conduct electricity |
| Chemical resistance | Resistant to corrosion and chemical attack |
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