Select one or more of the following modern items or devices and conduct an Inter

Question

Select one or more of the following modern items or devices and conduct an Internet search in order to determine what specific material(s) is (are) used and what specific properties this (these) material(s) possess(es) in order for the device/item to function properly. Finally, write a short essay in which you report your findings. Cell phone/digital camera batteries Cell phone displays Solar cells Wind turbine blades Fuel cells Automobile engine blocks (other than cast iron) Automobile bodies (other than steel alloys) Space telescope mirrors Military body armor Sports equipment Soccer balls Basketballs Ski poles Ski boots Snowboards Surfboards Golf clubs Golf balls Kayaks Lightweight bicycle frames

Explanation / Answer

Let us consider wind turbine blades,

   The materials used for the wind turbine blades are,

a) Composite materials.

   i) Because of composite materials, blades can spin faster and capture winds at lower velocity. Composites offer wind manufacturers strength and flexibility in processing with the added benefit of a lightweight material.

ii) Composites are made of two or more materials with varieties of physical or chemical properties that when combined, doesn't fully blend but together become very stronger and more durable. Materials for the wind-turbine blade include resins of glass fiber reinforced polyester, glass fiber reinforced epoxy, and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy.

iii) Because of their flexibility, composites materials will make repair easier for wind technicians and provide for a longer blade life. The materials can also be used for other turbine components. The move to composite nacelle covers, composite spinners, and in some cases more advanced close molding of these composite components, has also reduced the over all weight of the units over traditional steel and aluminum so turbine costs are coming down.

b) Soccer balls:

     The soccer balls are made of different materials at different layers, they are:

    i) Inner lining - Cotton & Polyester

   ii) Outer Cover - Polyurethane & PVC

   iii) Valve - Butyl Silicone

    iv) Stitch - Polyester Kevlar or Glued

    v) Bladder - Butyl or Latex.

1) The outer cover ( Polyurethane or PVC )

      The outer cover of modern soccer balls are made of synthetic leather for enhanced water resistance. Synthetic leather (polyuretahne or PVC ) is the material for soccer balls used at professional and top-flight level because it has the best feel for the ball.
PVC is another material used for outer cover. This plastic-like material is highly durable but offers less feel for the ball. PVC covers are also hard, which do not make them ideal for playing.

2) Inner lining ( Cotton & polyester )

     inner linings made of multiple layers. They have four layers of polyester and cotton. Cotton gives softness to the ball while polyester makes it durable and responsive.

3) Bladder - ( Butyl or Latex )

                   The most common bladder material is butyl because it is durable and retains air very well. Butyl's disadvantage is that it is easily deformed so it is less responsive when kicked.Latex is the preferred material in professional level because of its responsiveness. The problem with a latex bladder is that it easily loses air so it has to be filled regularly. Also, it is not as durable as butyl.

4) Stitch - ( Polyester kevlar or glued )

     Stitch will hold the panels of ball together.

           The panels on a professional soccer ball are mostly stitched with polyester, a durable, non-absorbent material. Kevlar thread can be also used for enhanced durability and water-resistance.

5) Valve - Butyl or silicone
                       

          Soccer ball valves are typically made of butyl, a rubber material that easily opens when the air pump needle is inserted. Because of its elasticity, it quickly closes when the pump is removed.Many professional football balls these days have silicone valves for better air retention.

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