Basic Tech
Basic Tech
Basic Tech
SCHEME OF WORK
1. Understanding technology
2. Safety guidelines
3. Work safety
4. Workshop safety
5. Properties of material
6. Wood
7. Properties of metal
8. Metals
9. Properties of ceramics and glass
10.Rubber and plastics
11.Revision
Technology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the use and knowledge of techniques and processes for producing goods and
services. For other uses, see Technology (disambiguation).
A steam turbine with the case opened. Such turbines produce most of the electricity that people use. Electricity
consumption and living standards are highly correlated.[1] Electrification is believed to be the most important
engineering achievement of the 20th century.
Technology ("science of craft", from Greek τέχνη, techne, "art, skill, cunning of hand"; and -λογία, -
logia[2]) is the collection of techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production
of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation.
Technology can be the knowledge of techniques, processes, and the like, or it can be embedded
in machines to allow for operation without detailed knowledge of their workings.
The simplest form of technology is the development and use of basic tools. The prehistoric discovery
of how to control fire and the later Neolithic Revolution increased the available sources of food, and
the invention of the wheel helped humans to travel in and control their environment. Developments
in historic times, including the printing press, the telephone, and the Internet, have lessened physical
barriers to communication and allowed humans to interact freely on a global scale. The steady
progress of military technology has brought weapons of ever-increasing destructive power,
from clubs to nuclear weapons.
Technology has many effects. It has helped develop more advanced economies (including
today's global economy) and has allowed the rise of a leisure class. Many technological processes
produce unwanted by-products known as pollution and deplete natural resources to the detriment of
Earth's environment. Innovations have always influenced the values of a society and raised new
questions of the ethics of technology. Examples include the rise of the notion of efficiency in terms of
human productivity, and the challenges of bioethics.
Philosophical debates have arisen over the use of technology, with disagreements over whether
technology improves the human condition or worsens it. Neo-Luddism, anarcho-primitivism, and
similar reactionarymovements criticize the pervasiveness of technology, arguing that it harms the
environment and alienates people; proponents of ideologies such as transhumanism and techno-
progressivism view continued technological progress as beneficial to society and the human
condition.
TECHNOLOGY RELATED PROFESSION
Aeronautical Engineering
Architecture
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
It is evident that technology touches each and every facet of our lives. Be it management of
employees and inventories, searching answers to complex problems, or facilitating the lives of the sick
and disabled, technology has magnificently enhanced the quality of life and also boosted the economy
of the world
importance of technology
1. Technology encourages learning in a positive manner
2. It improves students’ skill sets
3. It helps prepare the future workforce.
Examples of technological use in the field of education include: use of spreadsheets for math and
other topics, videoconferencing for distant learning, creation of web pages to display and share
student work, Internet searches for exploring complex topics etc.
For technology to have positive impact in the field of education, teachers must ensure setting clear
goals: else technology can be misused. Teachers also need to be trained and this education must be on-
going. Technical support also needs to be provided in order to ensure correct handling of tools.
Importance of Technology in Business
Technology has also helped small businesses evolve and expand quickly. The use of social networking,
video conferencing, virtual office tools and other such techniques have removed all boundaries, which,
in the past, prevented growth. Thanks to technology; businesses, small and large, can reach a wider
customer base and grow and expand.
Business technology has helped improve communication. Today, workers are not limited to phone calls
alone; they can send emails and messages without the fear of interrupting the recipient. Mobile
technology has also helped workers communicate ‘on the go’. Information is not limited to one or two
channels, but multiple and faster ones.ss
In general, the efficiency of the workforce has also increased. Employers are able to screen, recruit and
hire potential candidates quickly; they are also able to inform about vacancies to larger number of
applicants. Personality and IQ assessment tools have also been made available to employers and these
make the screening process a lot smoother and streamlined. Digital filing has helped improve the
organization and efficiency in the workplace. Printing costs, paper consumption and space can all be
saved thanks to electronic filing systems.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of technology for businesses is the elimination of wastage of time and
money. Thanks to videoconferencing and Internet, travel costs can be drastically cut down. A business
can set up its presence across the Globe at a fraction of the cost required in the past.
Also the work place has become much more safe. The percentage of accidents has been growing down
in recent year thanks to applying safe work boots, safe apparel for working conditions and applying
strict safety rules.
Importance of Technology in Healthcare
The importance of technology in healthcare can be summarized with this single sentence: “Technology
saves lives”. Some of the objectives that healthcare information technology has fulfilled include:
1. creation of social support networks for patients
2. self management tools and resources that patients can use with ease
3. easy access to accurate and actionable health information for patients and families
4. quick communication and resolution of health risks and public health emergencies
5. provision of newer opportunities to culturally diverse and hard to access nations
6. improvement of quality and safety in health care
7. improved public health infrastructure
8. facilitation of clinical and consumer decision making
9. development of health skills and know-how
10. Creation of advanced fitness equipment that can help you exercise and improve your health
considerably (like inversion tables (click here for more info) ; rowing machine; treadmills and more).
11. Creation of cosmetic services for looking better: fighting hair loss with shampoos; cosmetic
surgey and electric razors.
Health technology has improved organization and efficiency. It has helped eliminate ambiguity and
every record right from the billing to diagnostic and treatment can be maintained for easy access for
healthcare providers. By using software and hardware tools, profiles of patients can be created so
doctors can provide standardized treatment. This helps improve patient outcomes and thus reduces
cost of health care.New Portable refrigerators had been created to help people travel for long periods
of time safely, without issues.
In conclusion
question
1. define technology
2. mention 5 importance of technology
week 2; safety guidelines
General guidance
1
Footways or footpaths (including any path along the side of a road) should be
used if provided. Where possible, avoid being next to the kerb with your back
to the traffic. If you have to step into the road, look both ways first. Always
show due care and consideration for others.
It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that
oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend.
3
Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry something light-coloured,
bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective
materials (example. armbands, sashes, waistcoats, jackets, footwear), which
can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times as far away as non-
reflective materials.
Young children should not be out alone on the footway, footpath or road (see
Rule 7). When taking children out, keep between them and the traffic and hold
their hands firmly. Strap very young children into push-chairs or use reins.
When pushing a young child in a buggy, do not push the buggy into the road
when checking to see if it is clear to cross, particularly from between parked
vehicles.
5 (organised walks)
6 (motorways)
The advice given below for crossing the road is for all pedestrians. Children
should be taught the Code and should not be allowed out alone until they can
understand and use it properly. The age when they can do this is different for
each child. Many children cannot judge how fast vehicles are going or how far
away they are. Children learn by example, so parents and carers should
always use the Code in full when out with their children. They are responsible
for deciding at what age children can use it safely by themselves.
First find a safe place to cross and where there is a space to reach the
footway or footpath on the other side. Where there is a crossing nearby, use
it. It is safer to cross using a subway, a footbridge, an island, a zebra, pelican,
toucan or puffin crossing, or where there is a crossing point controlled by a
police officer or school crossing patrol. Otherwise choose a place where you
can see clearly in all directions. Try to avoid crossing between parked cars
(see Rule 14), on a blind bend or close to the brow of a hill. Move to a space
where drivers and riders can see you clearly. Do not cross the road
diagonally.
B
Stop just before you get to the kerb, where you can see if anything is coming.
Do not get too close to the traffic. If there’s no footway or footpath keep back
from the edge of the road but make sure you can still see approaching traffic.
Look all around for traffic and listen. Traffic could come from any direction.
Listen as well, because you can sometimes hear traffic before you see it.
D
If traffic is coming, let it pass. Look all around again and listen. Do not cross
until there is a safe gap in the traffic and you are certain that there is plenty of
time. Remember, even if traffic is a long way off, it may be approaching very
quickly.
When it is safe go straight across the road – do not run. Keep looking and
listening for traffic while you cross, in case there is any traffic you did not see,
or in case other traffic appears suddenly. Look out for cyclists and
motorcyclists travelling between lanes of traffic. Do not walk diagonally across
the road.
8 (at a junction)
When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially
from behind you. If you have started and traffic wants to turn into the road, you
have priority and they should give way (see rule 170).
Where there are barriers, cross the road only at the gaps provided for
pedestrians. Do not climb over the barriers or walk between them and the
road.
10 (tactile paving)
Raised surfaces that can be felt underfoot provide warning and guidance to
blind or partially sighted people. The most common surfaces are a series of
raised studs, which are used at crossing points with a dropped kerb, or a
series of rounded raised bars which are used at level crossings, at the top and
bottom of steps and at some other hazards.
Never engage in conduct that harasses or endangers a cyclist. Above all: Be tolerant. Be understanding. Be careful.
3. A Passing Grade
Do not pass a cyclist until you can see that you can safely do so. You should allow ample space between your vehicle and the
bicycle and make sure you do not place the cyclist in danger. If you pass too closely the drag from your car can pull a cyclist off
course and cause the rider to swerve out of control.
6. A Back-up Plan:
Bicycles, and the people who drive them, come in all shapes and sizes. When backing out of your driveway always look to see if
someone is riding in your path. Children on small bikes might be hard to see. Drive slowly and look carefully.
7. Egress Etiquette
After parallel parking, make sure the coast is clear for opening the car door to exit. Make sure there are no cyclists riding
alongside your car or fast approaching. By using the rear view mirrors and by turning around, a driver can spot an approaching
cyclist and circumvent a disaster. A cyclist cannot anticipate when a driver will open a door, but a driver can easily detect a
cyclist who may be in the line of danger.
8. Respect
Cyclists have a rightful spot on the road. Cyclists also positively impact the environment with each revolution of their wheels by
opting to ride rather than drive. Do not resent cyclists. Replace frustration with a smile every time to see a cyclist.
9. Honing Your Horning Habit
Do not to honk unnecessarily at cyclists. If the need does arise to honk your horn to alert a cyclist that you are about pass, do so
at a respectable distance. If you are too close, the noise itself can cause a cyclist to lose his or her bearings and create a hazardous
situation for both you and the cyclist.
2. Right On
It is generally either illegal or unsafe to ride on a sidewalk or on the road towards oncoming traffic. As a rule, it is best to ride in
the direction of traffic, staying as far to the right as is practical. However, make sure there is room to handle emergencies and that
you do not ride so close to the right that you run the risk of hitting the curb and being thrown into traffic. There are times when
you simply cannot stay to the far right—whether it’s to overtake another cyclist or vehicle, to make a left turn, or to avoid a
hazard. Be sure to wait for a safe opportunity and use the proper hand signals when you take a lane.
3. Join In
If you are traveling at the same speed as other traffic, it may be safer to jump in and ride with traffic; because, this may make you
more visible to motorists. Joining traffic is sometimes necessary because the road is simply too narrow for both a bike and a car.
It is a particularly good idea to take a lane and join traffic before an intersection to make your presence known—especially for
right-turning drivers who may not see you as they start their turn.
When you do join traffic, make sure you never pass on the right. This is always dangerous, but particularly so in an intersection.
By waiting directly behind a vehicle, you can see a car’s signals; otherwise, you never know if the motorist is about to make a
right turn and hit you.
7. Playing Defense
Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings. Know what is behind you and watch out for what is in front of you.
Always be on the lookout for road hazards; sand and gravel, glass, railroad tracks, parked cars, snow and slush can wreak havoc
on you and your bike. Sewer grates and cracks in the road can catch your wheel and cause you to be thrown from the bike. Watch
for parked cars where people may be opening doors on the driver side of the vehicle without looking. Always wait until you have
ample time to make your move, whether you are changing a lane or turning a corner. Do not expect to be granted the right of way
in any instance.
8. Flaunt It
Make your presence felt. Wear bright color clothing. At night or in inclement weather, it is important to use reflective lights in
the front, side and rear that make you visible from all directions.
9. Helping Hands
Emergencies happen. Be prepared. Always make sure you have at least one hand on your handlebars, no matter what. Know and
use your hand signals whenever you are changing lanes or making a turn.
question
RSSS
SAFETY BLOG0
Mark Twain once said, “It is better to be careful 100 times than to get killed once.” Think about this;
80 of every 100 accidents that happen in the workplace are ultimately the fault of the person
involved in the incident. What does this tell us? Workers are not taking the proper precautionary
measures before working, or they are simply too lazy to be bothered with it. After all, they do their
jobs everyday right? Why do they need to waste their time with tedious things like inspections and
precautionary measures? Well, considering the above statistic, there should be an ample amount of
evidence to convince lazy and neglectful workers to start paying more attention to correct safety
measures. A majority of workers seem to like to find “things” to blame when workplace
accidents occur rather than “root causes”. However, there are 7 common causes for workplace
accidents, and “root causes” account for every single one of them. To give workers more incentive to
practice proper safety measures within the workplace, we have compiled these 7 common causes to
give a better illustration of what the root causes of accidents in the workplace are.
Shortcuts
Humans are notoriously lazy, so taking shortcuts is a rather common practice in all walks of life, not
necessarily work alone. However, when workers take shortcuts at work, especially when they are
working around dangerous machinery or lethal chemicals, they are only exposing themselves to a
potential catastrophe. Simply put, shortcuts that are taken on the job are not actually shortcuts. They
are simply increasing your risk of injury, or worse, death.
Overconfidence
Confidence is always a great thing to have, but there is also such a thing as too much confidence.
When workers walk into work everyday with the attitude that, “It will never happen to me”, they are
setting an attitude that leads to incorrect procedures, methods, and tools while working. Be
confident, but remember that you are not invincible.
Whenever someone walks through your workplace, they can get a pretty good idea of your attitude
towards workplace safety by just looking at how well you’ve kept up your area. Housekeeping is one
of the most accurate indicators of the company’s attitude towards production, quality, and worker
safety. A poorly kept up area leads to hazards and threats everywhere. Not only does good
housekeeping lead to heightened safety, but it also sets a good standard for everyone else in the
workplace to follow.
Starting a Task Before Getting All Necessary Information
The quickest way to get a job done is to do it right the first time. To do it right the first time, you need
to make sure that you have any and all pertinent information relating to the task you will be
performing. Workers who begin a job with just half the information, or half the instructions, are
essentially doing the job while blind. Remember this; it’s not stupid to ask questions, it is stupid not
to.
This is probably the worst thing that any employee at any level in the organization can do.
Deliberately neglecting set safety procedures in the workplace doesn’t just endanger yourself, but it
endangers the workers around you as well as the company as a whole. Casually following safety
procedures doesn’t work either. You are paid to follow workplace safety procedures, not your own.
Mental Distractions
Everyone has a life outside of the workplace, and sometimes life can take dips and turns that affect
your emotions and your mood negatively. However, as harsh as it sounds, workers cannot let mental
distractions from their personal lives affect their performance at work. Not only will they become less
aware of their surroundings and less safe, but they will also become less productive, costing the
company time and money.
Lack of Preparation
You may have heard of something called Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). JHA’s are an effective method
of figuring out the best way to work safely and efficiently. When workers begin a task without thinking
through the process beforehand, or hastily start without any type of planning, they are setting
themselves up for failure. Make sure you plan your work, then work your plan.
There are several reasons why workplace accidents happen, but these 7 are the most common, and
sadly, the most overlooked, causes. It really comes down to awareness and focus. Lazy workers are
not as effective and they are not as safe as their aware and focused counterparts. On top of this,
lazy workers immediately become a direct threat to everyone around them. There needs to be a
conscious effort each and every day in the workplace to make sure that these 7 causes don’t
happen. Your life, your coworkers’ lives, and your company’s overall well-being depends on it.
0. Driving-related injuries
This is related to driving heavy machinery in storage, warehouses or pretty much and industrial sectors
where these machines are required. These accidents don’t happen that often and they can be kept at a
minimum with proper staff training and use of adequate machinery.
4. Reaction Injuries
People can suffer injuries when tripping or slipping without even falling. They can strain their muscles or
body trauma when they move all of a sudden to prevent them selves from falling. These injuries can be
quite serious so be careful when crossing slippery surfaces or places where you can easily trip.
2. Slipping/Tripping
The second most frequent workplace accident. This mainly happens by people slipping on wet surfaces
or tripping on something lying on the floor. Employees need to pay good attention to their surroundings
and the employer needs to make sure that everything is in order and safe for work.
1. Overexertion Injuries
This are by far the most common type of injuries at work, it involves lifting, pushing, carrying, pulling, and
other types of moving heavy objects. Overexertion is not only number only most consistent injury, over
the course of years but also most costly work accident. The overexertion accidents cost over 3$ million in
compensation claims yearly.
Note that providing safety gear and proper training to your employee to where its needed will greatly
reduce the amount of accidents occurring.
2) Think about what you are doing; think before you start a job and during the entire time you are doing it.
Remember that your own personal caution is of more value to you than all the safeguards that can be set
up.
3) Know where the main switch is. This stops processes immediately should anything go wrong in the
industry.
4) Smoking and carrying matches or naked flames by employees is prohibited in and about the complex
except in zone specifically designed for such purposes. Safety section must see that “No smoking” signs are
placed in and about their area to warn the employee and visitors.
5) When work is being done which requires the wearing of a safety belt, the supervisor in charge shall
determine whether or not stand-by personnel are required, and if necessary, will provide suitable
personnel.
6) Any one working at or going to any plant area in the complex must wear a safety cap and safety shoes.
7) Always use a safety belt when working at height such as on stacks or columns where the danger of falling
exists.
8) Do not tamper with or attempt to repair equipment or instruments which you do not understand.
9) Ability to communicate with the outside world, very important. This is usually achieved by the installation
of telephones. Important phone numbers should include the following in Emergency cases;
b. Ambulance number
c. Police number
d. NEPA/PHCN number
10) Defective tools are dangerous, do not use them. In fact never use a tool except for its proper purpose.
safety devices
Fire Extinguishers
Many common fires around the house can be stopped with the usage of a proper
fire extinguisher. While quick action and correct usage may put out the fire, it is
important to also be aware of the limitations of the extinguisher used. Fully
understand and read all included instructions prior to usage. It is a good and safe
practice to regularly inspect your extinguisher to verify that it is properly
charged. It is also a good idea to make sure that the contents of the extinguisher
do not become a solid mass. A few times a year it is recommended that the
contents be shaken. Alternatively, a rubber mallet can be used to smack the
bottom of the device (do not hit the valve or hose components). This agitation
will help to prevent the solid materials from clumping into an unusable mass.
Add extra safety to your family if you have multiple floors. Stairwells can often
become chimneys, depending upon the location of a fire. In the event of a fire, it
is important to have multiple egress points. Pre-boxed fire escape ladders can be
kept under windows, beds or adjacent closets to be used in the event of a fire.
Always check the condition of the ladder immediately after purchase to assure
that the ladder is usable in the event of an emergency situation. These ladders
are available in some home centers and online for immediate shipping.
Respirators and dust masks are an important part of many jobs. It is important to
make sure that your lungs and airways are protected from adverse chemicals
and airborne contaminants. There are many types of dust masks available. Dust
masks should not be confused or interchanged with respirators. A dust mask is
generally a low cost paper or synthetic filtering device manufactured to help
stop dust, debris, and dirt from entering your nose and mouth. A respirator is
generally considered a cartridge and filtered system to trap contaminants and
purify the air particles prior to entering your respiratory system. Make certain
that the usage of the proper type of mask or respirator is proven for the type of
work that you are performing. Make certain that the filters and cartridges in a
respirator are approved by NIOSH or OSHA and meet the requirements to protect
you. An indication that a respirator needs the replacement of filters is when you
begin to smell or taste the products you are using the respirator to filter. When
that occurs, always stop work, replace the cartridge or filter prior to continuing.
Always read, follow, and understand the instructions that come with this piece
of safety equipment. Check with the manufacturer or supplier to verify that you
are using appropriate products for your job.
More professional and stringent requirements for the usage of certain type of
respirators include medical evaluations prior to the issuance of the respirator.
An example of this type of requirement would pertain to work related to
asbestos or mold abatement. In addition to proper training prior to working with
asbestos, it is important that a medical evaluation determines that your body is
able to properly function while you are wearing the approved respirator. The
removal of asbestos or mold is not to be taken lightly and should not be
performed by an untrained, unlicensed or uncertified contractor. This is not a
project for a homeowner.
Gloves
Gloves for all purposes (Rubber, latex, chemical resistant, electrical insulated,
leather work, thermal insulated, heat resistant, Kevlar reinforced, etc.) - Gloves
are a very basic and easy to find safety item. The importance of proper
protection of your hands and arms cannot be overstated. There are as many
types of gloves available as there are types of jobs. It is important to know the
limitations and requirements of your gloves prior to beginning work.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection includes equipment such as ear plugs and head phones. Long
term hearing loss can be created by a sudden unexpected loud noise. It is
important to plan for that possibility and provide adequate hearing protection.
Long term exposure to low levels of certain frequencies can also damage
hearing. Consult online guides, job related service manuals, and other available
sources to determine the correct type of hearing protection that should be used
for any job. Repeated exposure to yard and lawn equipment can be very
damaging to your ears, and even though it may occur on an infrequent basis, it is
important for anyone exposed to these products to protect their ears.
Safety Clothing
Face masks, goggles, dust masks, respirators, hearing protection, proper gloves
for specific tasks, ventilation devices for airflow, and dust collectors are
recommended. Understand the task that you are planning, and make certain to
have all needed safety products and equipment prior to starting your project. A
good first aid kit is important to have in your workshop.
Boots
Steel Toed Work Boots or Regular Work Boots are essential for working with
heavy objects that can fall on your feet. Steel toed boots have a protective
reinforcement in the toe to protect your foot from falling objects, compression,
or punctures. For light products, non-steel toed shoes may be sufficient. The
addition of steel in your work boots is good additional insurance against foot
injuries. Steel toed shoes are often professional requirements on most work
sites. Why not add the protection of steel toed work boots when you plan to buy
your next pair of work shoes?
Ladders
Proper and appropriate ladders for multipurpose use. Never use a ladder for more
than its' intended purpose. Fiberglass ladders offer non conductivity from
electrical sources, come in a variety of types and load ratings, and last for years.
In most cases, they are far more durable than a wooden ladder or any aluminum
ladder product. They may cost a little more, but are well worth the price in the
long run, and will provide many years of safe usage if properly maintained and
stored.
question
You often hear people grumbling about money and all kinds of
other things that "don't grow on trees"; the great thing about
wood is that it does grow on trees—or, more specifically, in
their trunks and branches.
Structure of wood
Take a tree and peel off the outer "skin" or bark and what
you'll find is two kinds of wood. Closest to the edge there's a
moist, light, living layer called sapwood packed with tubes
called xylem that help a tree pipe water and nutrients up from
its roots to its leaves; inside the sapwood there's a much
darker, harder, part of the tree called the heartwood, which is
dead, where the xylem tubes have blocked up with resins or
gums and stopped working. Around the outer edge of the
sapwood (and the trunk) is a thin active layer called
the cambium where the tree is actually growing outward by a
little bit each year, forming those famous annual rings that
tell us how old a tree is. Slice horizontally through a tree,
running the saw parallel to the ground (perpendicular to the
trunk), and you'll see the annual rings (one new one added
each year) making up the cross-section. Cut vertically through
a tree trunk and you'll see lines inside running parallel to the
trunk formed by the xylem tubes, forming the inner structure of
the wood known as its grain. You'll also see occasional wonky
ovals interrupting the grain called knots, which are the places
where the branches grew out from the trunk of a tree. Knots
can make wood look attractive, but they can also weaken its
structure.
Photo: This fence pole was once a tree—and you can still clearly see the annual growth
rings if you look down on it from above.
Photo: Left: Hardwood comes from deciduous trees like this oak. Its leaves (inset) drop
off in the fall and new ones grow in spring. Right: Softwood comes from evergreen
conifers, like this pine, which has needles that stay on all year and cones (inset).
Chemical composition
Strength
Photo: Wood is a traditional building material, as popular today as ever. Because wood is
anisotropic, natural wooden beams work better as vertical posts (where they are in
compression) than horizontal beams (where they are in tension). That's not a problem
here, because these beams are laminated so they are equally strong in all directions. The
diagonal members add further strength to stop the horizontal beams from bending. Photo
by Robb Williamson courtesy of US DOE/NREL (Department of Energy/National
Renewable Energy Laboratory). Read more about how buildings work.
Durability
Photo: Under attack! The big problem with wood is that it's a natural material subject to
attack from other natural things, notably fungi and insects. This is what Formosan
subterranean termites can do to wood. Photo by Scott Bauer courtesy of US Department
of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service.
Environmentally friendly
Using wood
How does wood get from the tree to the roof of your house,
your bookshelf, or the chair you're sitting on? It's a longer and
more complex journey than you might think that takes in
harvesting, seasoning, preserving and other treatment, and
cutting. Here's a brief guide.
Harvesting
Photo: Chopping down a longleaf pine is only the start of the fun: now you've got to get it
home preferably without damaging the rest of the forest in the process. That's where this
skidder machine comes in, lifting up the logs with a hydraulic crane and dragging them
away with a powerful diesel engine. Photo by Randy C. Murray courtesy of US Army.
Photo: These cottonwood trees might look too spindly for making poles or planks, but
they'll not be used for either. They're part of a fast-growing plantation that
produces biomass, a type of renewable energy burned in power plants. Biomass is
better for the environment because the trees take in as much carbon dioxide when they
grow as they give out when they're burned; leaving aside the energy wasted in
harvesting and processing, a biomass plant produces no overall carbon dioxide
emissions, unlike a traditional power plant fueled by oil or coal. Other "energy crops"
include willow, poplar, and eucalyptus. Photo by Warren Gretz courtesy of US DOE/NREL
(Department of Energy/National Renewable Energy Laboratory).
Seasoning
Cutting
Photo: Left: Plainsawn wood is cut straight across the trunk, revealing the annual rings
as curves or ovals. Right: Quartersawn wood is first quartered and then sawn, revealing a
pattern of roughly parallel lines.
question
identification of wood
up Hardwood is usually from a deciduous tree and softwood is usually from a coniferous
vote13down one. Hardwoods typically have a higher density(hence hardwood).
vote
Seriously?
accepted
For the most part that is the general accepted (although broad) definition and yes
there are several exceptions.
Little more than that please
Much like identifying wood species; determining if a particular wood is soft or hard
depends on the kind of tree it came from. More specifically
Hardwood
Comes from dicot angiosperm which mean the tree reproduces with flowers and most
have broad leaves that are shed in response to natural climate change or drought.
There are several species of evergreen that fit into this category as well. These
evergreens are usually located in more tropical/subtropical zones.
Hardwood trees have large vessels for transporting water. These pores are responsible
for the grain appearance in hardwood and are best seen under microscope.
Softwood
Almost all softwood comes from gymnosperm plants such as conifers or also known
as coniferous trees. Where hardwood tree use flowers for reproduction softwood trees
use seeds, such as cones. Conversely to hardwood, water and sap are transported
via medullary rays and tracheids which can appear corrugated (like cardboard).
Comparison
As mentioned before, the best way to be sure is to examine the wood under
microscope. In the hardwood you can see the "pores" shown as large holes (In the
diagram below it is the picture on top). Softwood does not have visible pores.
Picture comes from
Wikipedia
Notable exceptions
Just because a wood is classified as soft does not mean it is necessarily softer than a
hardwood. There is a wide range of hardness when it comes to the many species of
trees. I mentioned earlier that there are a couple of exceptions as far as the generic
hardwood/softwood definition are concerned.
Basla: Is actually a soft hardwood.
Yew: Is actually a hard softwood.
Bamboo: Considered a hardwood but classified as a grass.
Question
1. differentiate between hard wood and soft wood
2. list 5 part of a tree
week 7; properties of metals
Reactions of Metals
Properties:
Metals: Non-metals:
Strong Brittle
React with oxygen to form basic oxides React with oxygen to form acidic oxides
High melting and boiling points Low melting and boiling points
Metals: Non-metals:
Calcium Sulphur
Potassium Oxygen
Lead Chlorine
Copper Hydrogen
Aluminium Bromine
Zinc Nitrogen
Lithium Helium
Metals
They are used to make pans, since they are good conductors of heat.
They are used in electrical cables, because they are malleable, ductile and good conductors of
electricity.
They make a ringing sound, sonorous, hence their use in bell making.
Non-metals
Used as insulating material around wire cables since they do not conduct electricity.
alloy of metals;
Alloys are metallic compounds composed of one metal and one or more metal, or non-
metal, elements.
Properties
Individual pure metals may possess useful properties, such as good electrical
conductivity, high strength, and hardness, or heat and corrosion resistance.
Commercial metal alloys attempt to combine these beneficial properties in order to create
a metal that is more useful for a particular application than any of its component
elements.
The development of steel, for example, required finding the right combination of carbon
and iron (about 99% iron and 1% carbon, as it turns out) in order to produce a metal that
is stronger, lighter and more workable metal than pure iron.
The precise properties of new alloys are difficult to calculate because elements do not just
combine to become a sum of parts, but form through chemical interactions that depend on
their component parts as well as the production method. As a result, much testing is
required in the development of new metal alloys.
One thing that is for certain is that when metals are alloyed, the melting temperature is
always affected. Galinstan®, a low-melt alloy containing gallium, tin, and indium, is
liquid at temperatures above 2.2°F (-19°C), meaning that its melting point is 122°F
(50°C) lower than pure gallium and more than 212°F (100°C) below indium and tin.
Galinstan® and Wood's Metal are examples of eutectic alloys. Eutectic alloys have the
lowest melting point of any alloy combination containing the same elements.
Composition
Thousands of alloy compositions are in regular production, while new compositions are
developed regularly.
Accepted standard compositions include the purity levels of constituent elements (based
on weight content).
The makeup, as well as mechanical and physical properties for common alloys, are
monitored by international organizations such ISO, SAE International, and ASTM
International.
Production
Some metal alloys are naturally occurring and require little processing to be converted
into industrial grade materials. Ferro-alloys such as Ferro-chromium and Ferro-silicon,
for instance, are produced by smelting mixed ores and are used in the production of
various steels.
Commercial and trade alloys, however, generally require greater processing and are most
often formed by mixing molten metals in a controlled environment. Yet, one would be
mistaken in thinking that alloying metals is a simple process.
For example, if one were to simply mix molten aluminum with molten lead, we would
find that they would separate into layers, much like oil and water. The procedure for
combining molten metals, or mixing metals with nonmetals, varies greatly depending on
the properties of the elements required.
Metal elements have a great variance in their tolerance of heat and gasses. While
elements like the refractory metals are stable at high temperatures, others begin to interact
with their environment, which can affect purity levels and, ultimately, the alloy quality.
An alloy of 95.5% aluminum and 4.5% copper is made by first preparing a 50% mixture
of the two elements. This mixture has a lower melting point than either pure aluminum or
pure copper and acts as a 'hardener alloy'. This is then introduced to molten aluminum at
a rate that creates the right alloy mix.
question
2. define alloy
week 8; metals
classification of metals
Metals - Ferrous and Non Ferrous
1. 1. Metals. Exercise 1: Make a list of all the different metals that you know
about.
2. 2. Metals. Two main groups, 1.Ferrous. 2.Non-Ferrous.
3. 3. Metals Ferrous Pure Ferrous Metals Non Ferrous Ferrous Alloys Pure
Non Ferrous Metals Copper Non Ferrous Alloys Alum. Brass Bronze Solder
Zinc Tin High Speed Steel Copper + Zinc Copper + Tin Lead + Tin Lead
Silver High Speed Steel Cutting Tools Gold Mercury Steel Iron Mercury is
the only non ferrous metal that is liquid at room temperature. Alloying.
4. 4. Ferrous Metals. Ferrous metals: Ferrous metals are metals that consist
mostly of iron and small amounts of other elements. Ferrous metals are
prone to rusting if exposed to moisture. Ferrous metals can also be picked
up by a magnet. The rusting and magnetic properties in ferrous metals are
both down due to the iron. Typical ferrous metals include mild steel, cast
iron and steel. Examples: 1.Mild Steel. 2.Cast Iron. 3.High Carbon Steel.
4.High Speed Steel. 5.Stainless Steel. Rusting. Magnetism.
5. 5. Ferrous Metals. Metal Type. Metal Uses. Melting Point. Mild Steel. A
ductile and malleable metal. Mild steel will rust quickly if it is in frequent
contact with water. Used as Nuts and bolts, Building girders, car bodies,
gates, etc. 1600°C
6. 6. Ferrous Metals. Metal Type. Cast Iron. Is a very strong metal when it is
in compression and is also very brittle. It consists of 93% iron and 4%
carbon plus other elements. Metal Uses. Melting Point. Used as car Brake
discs, car cylinders, metalwork vices, manhole covers, machinery bases
eg: The pillar drill. 1200°C
7. 7. Ferrous Metals. Metal Type. High Carbon Steel . It is a very strong and
very hard steel that has a high resistance to abrasion. Properties – Up to
1.5% carbon content. Very tough. Metal Uses. Melting Point. Used for hand
tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, chisels, saws, springs and garden
tools. 1800°C
8. 8. Ferrous Metals. Metal Type. High Speed Steel. HSS is a metal
containing a high content of tungsten, chromium and vanadium. However
it is very brittle but is also very resistant to wear. Metal Uses. Melting
Point. Used for drill bits and lathe cutting tools. It is used where high
speeds and high temperatures are created. 1400°C
9. 9. Ferrous Metals. Metal Type. Metal Uses. Melting Point. Stainless Steel.
Stainless steel is very resistant to wear and water corrosion and rust.
Properties – It is an alloy of iron with a typical 18% chromium 8% nickel
and 8% magnesium content. Used for kitchen sinks, cutlery, teapots,
cookware and surgical instruments. 1400°C
10.10. Classwork /Homework. 1). What are the properties of a ferrous metal?
2.) What is cast iron used for? 3.) Why is it good to make hammers out of
high carbon steel? 4.) Why is it good to make cutlery out of stainless
steel? 5.) List one application and one property of the following alloy
steels: (i) Stainless Steel; (ii) High Speed Steel.
forms of metals;
There are different types of metals based on physical and chemical properties. They are the hardest
elements which are found on the earth.
Most of the metals are solids in nature except for mercury which shows liquid-like motion. They are
bendable into different shapes and have many uses in human life.
They have special properties unlike other elements in the periodic table.
When oxidized they are alkaline in nature. They react with acids and even get rusted when exposed
to air for a long time.
Uses of Ceramics
Ceramic products are hard, porous, and brittle. As a result, they are used to make pottery, bricks, tiles,
cements, and glass. Ceramics are also used at many places in gas turbine engines. Bio-ceramics are
used as dental implants and synthetic bones. Given below are some other important uses of ceramics.
Uses of Whitewares
Whitewares find application in spark plugs, electrical insulators, laboratory equipments, crucibles, dishes, and high-
class potteries.
Uses of Clay
Clay is the starting raw material for manufacturing bricks, tiles, terracotta, pottery, earthenwares, sewer, drain pipes,
and covers for electrical cables.
Uses of Stonewares
Stonewares are used for constructing sanitary fixtures, such as sinks and bath tubs. Stonewares are also used in the
construction of piping vessels, drainage pipes, underground cable sheathings, sewerage pipes, home pipes,
absorption towers, valves, and pumps in the chemical industry. They are cheaper than many other construction
materials but are rather fragile and once broken, they have no resale value.
Uses of Glass
The main use of glass is to make household glassware, decorative items, and optical lenses. Glasses are used for heat
insulation purposes, for example, in ovens. Glass is used as an insulator in metal pipelines, in vacuum cleaners, and
on the walls and roofs of houses. Glass is resistant to chemicals. As a result, it is used to filter corrosive liquids such
as acids and acid solutions. It is also used for sound insulation. Safety glass is used in aircraft, automobiles,
helicopter, and submarines. Glass can also be...
question
1. define ceramics
2. 5 properties of ceramics
In the past, people have seen the progress of technology. From the
simple usage of wood and cement to the invention of metal, mankind
has really made great progress to become what they are today. Along
with this progress are some changes to their lifestyle. These changes
were brought about by the materials surrounding them, and two
materials that revolutionized man’s life today is rubber and plastic.
How to Identify Plastics Here is a preliminary guide that will help you to identify many of the
basic types of plastics using simple techniques and readily available tools. Naturally, these tests
should be used only for tentative identification because some complex plastic compounds require
thermoplastic, heat a stirring rod (to about 500° F) and press it against the sample. If the sample
softens, the material is a thermoplastic; if not, it is probably thermosetting. Next, hold the sample
to the edge of a flame until it ignites. Hold the flame for about 10 seconds, if no flame is
produced immediately. If the material burns, note the color of the flame, the nature of the smoke,
the presence of the soot in the air and, if while burning, the sample drips. Next, extinguish the
flame and cautiously smell the fumes. In identifying odor, a known sample is most helpful for
comparison. Finally, check your observations against the know characteristics of each plastic
given below. Once you have made a tentative identification, it usually is desirable to make one
additional test to confirm the results of the original identification. No Flame Burns, but
extinguishes on removal of flame source Continues to burn after removal of flame source
Materials Odor Odor Color of Flame Drips Odor Color of flame Drips Speed of Burning
Remarks Thermoplastics ABS - Acride Yellow, Blue edgese Noe Acrid Yellow, Blue edges Yes
Slow Black smoke with soot in air Acetals - - - - Formaldehyde Blue, no smoke Yes Slow -
Acrylics - - - - Fruity Blue, Yellow tip No (cast) Yes (molded) Slow Flame may spurt if rubber
modified Cellulosics Acetate - Vinegare Yellow with sparkse Noe Vinegar Yellow Yes Slow
Flame may spark Acetate Butyrate - - - - Rancid Butter Blue, Yellow tip Yes Slow Flame may
spark Ethyl Cellulose - - - - Burnt Sugar Yellow, Blue edges Yes Rapid - Nitrate - - - - Camphor
White No Rapid - Propionate - - - - Burnt Sugar Blue, Yellow tip Yes Rapid - Chlorinated
Polyether - - Green, Yellow tip No - - - - Black smoke with soot in air No Flame Burns, but
extinguishes on removal of flame source Continues to burn after removal of flame source
Materials Odor Odor Color of Flame Drips Odor Color of flame Drips Speed of Burning
Remarks Fluorocarbons FEP Faint odor of burnt hair - - - - - - - Deforms; no combustion but
drips PTFE Faint odor of burnt hair - - - - - - - Deforms; does not drip CTFE Faint odor of acetic
Burnt Wool Blue, Yellow Tip Yes - - - - - Type 6/6 - Burnt Wool or Hair Blue, Yellow Tip Yes -
- - - More rigid than Type 6 Nylon Phenoxies - Acrid e Yellow e No e Acridd Yellowd Yesd
Slowd Black smoke with soot in air Polycarbonates - Faint, Sweet Aromatic Ester Orange Yes - -
- - Black smoke with soot in air Polyethylenes - - - - Paraffin (wax) Blue, Yellow Tip Yes Slow
very difficult to ignite Modified Grade - Phenol YellowOrange No - - - - Flame spurts; difficult
to ignite; soot in air Polymides b - - - - - - - Chars; material very rigid Polypropylene - Acride
(burning rags) Yellow e No e Sweet Blue, Yellow Tip Yes Slow Float in water; more difficult to
scratch than PE Polystyrene - - - - Illuminating gas Yellow Yes Rapid Dense black smoke with
Slow Black smoke Vinyls Flexible - Hydrochloric Acid Yellow with green spurts No - - - -
Chars, melts Rigid - Hydrochloric Acid Yellow with green spurts No - - - - Chars, melts
Polyblends ABS/ Polycarbonate - - - - b Yellow, Blue edges No - Clack smoke with soot in air
ABS/PVC - Acrid Yellow, Blue edges No - - - - Black smoke with soot in air PVC/Acrylic -
Phenolic Yellow No Slow Black smoke, cracks Diglycol Carbonate - - - - Acrid Yellow No Slow
Black smoke with soot Epoxies - - - - Phenol Black smoke No Slow Black smoke with soot
Malamines Formaldehyde and fish - - - - - - - - Phenolics Formaldehyde and phenol Phenol and
wood or paper Yellow No - - - - May crack Polyesters - Hydrochloric acid Yellow No b Yellow,
blue edges No Slow Cracks and breaks Silicones b - - - - - - - Deforms Ureas Formaldehyde - - -
- - - - - * Flame retardant grade b Nondescript e Inorganic filler d Organic filler Credit: Materials
question
1. define rubber
2. list 2 types of rubber