← Product Design and Technologies syllabus

EnglandProduct Design and Technologies

Materials and properties

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are composites, smart materials and modern materials, and why are they chosen?

The structure and selection of composite materials (matrix and reinforcement, for example GRP, CFRP, concrete, plywood), the behaviour of smart materials that respond reversibly to a stimulus (shape memory alloys, thermochromic and photochromic pigments, piezoelectric materials, electroluminescent and quantum tunnelling materials), and modern or technical materials developed for new functions (graphene, Kevlar, Gore-Tex, precious metal clay, nanomaterials, technical textiles).
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9DT0 content on composites, smart materials and modern or technical materials, covering matrix-and-reinforcement structure (GRP, CFRP), reversible smart behaviours (shape memory alloys, thermochromics, piezoelectrics) and modern materials such as graphene, Kevlar and Gore-Tex.
13 min answer →

How are metals classified, and how do alloying and treatment change their properties for a product?

Classification of metals into ferrous, non-ferrous and alloys, their common types and stock forms, the properties that distinguish them (strength, ductility, malleability, hardness, conductivity, corrosion resistance), and how alloying, work hardening and heat treatments (annealing, hardening, tempering) are used to change those properties.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9DT0 content on metals, covering ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, their stock forms and properties, and how alloying, work hardening and heat treatments such as annealing, hardening and tempering modify them for a product.
13 min answer →

How do you classify papers, boards and timbers, and how do their properties decide where each is used?

Classification, common types, properties and working characteristics of papers and boards (cartridge, bleed-proof, layout, tracing, grammage by weight) and of timbers (hardwoods, softwoods, manufactured boards such as MDF, plywood and chipboard), including conversion, seasoning, stock forms and the reasons each is selected for a product.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9DT0 content on papers and boards and on natural and manufactured timbers, covering classification, grammage, common types, seasoning, stock forms and the working properties that decide which is selected for a product.
13 min answer →

How do thermoplastics, thermosets and textile fibres differ, and how does that decide their use?

Classification of polymers into thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, their common types, properties and uses, the meaning of recycling codes, and the classification of textiles into natural, synthetic, blended and mixed fibres with their properties and the construction of fabrics by weaving, knitting and bonding.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9DT0 content on polymers and textiles, covering thermoplastics versus thermosetting plastics, common types and recycling codes, and natural, synthetic and blended fibres with woven, knitted and bonded fabric construction.
13 min answer →