08 08 technology u4b
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Module
4B
The Way People Live
Thanks to their greater understanding of
the structure of matter, today’s scientists
are creating revolutionary materials.
Composite materials, for example, are
complex combinations of fibres (such as
carbon or glass) which are embedded
in a matrix of plastic, ceramic or metal.
Because of their extraordinary strength
and lightness, they have moved beyond
tennis rackets and golf clubs into the
worlds of aviation, missiles, satellite
systems... and construction. They may
gradually replace the steel used in
reinforced concrete. There are already
all-composite buildings and bridges.
Lighter and more heat-resistant than
metals, ceramics play an important
role in engine efficiency and pollution
reduction in automobiles and trucks.
However, mass-production is still not
possible with current technology.
Finally, intelligent materials are
smart materials that can anticipate
failure, repair themselves and adapt
to the environment. How? Through
actuators and motors that behave like
muscles, sensors that serve as nerves
and memory, communication and
computational networks that represent
the brain and the spine. Ladders that
alert you when they are overloaded
or buildings and bridges that reinforce
themselves during earthquakes, are
structures built with intelligent materials.
We will soon ask structures how they
feel and where they hurt.
Activities
1 Think and discuss: Will advanced materials be dangerous?
Yes.
No.
Maybe.
Justify your opinion!
English Toolkit 1 - Technology
Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A. / Richmond 2011
Advanced materials
Module
4B
2Answer these questions.
a Why can today’s scientists create revolutionary materials?
b What are composite materials?
c How do smart materials work?
3Complete these sentences.
Composite materials have different applications
.
Ceramics play an important role in
.
Examples of structures built with intelligent materials are
.
Ladders will help to
.
4Explain in your own words.
a Intelligent materials are smart materials that can anticipate failure,
repair themselves and adapt to the environment.
b We will soon ask structures how they feel and where they hurt.
5Advanced materials are present in clothes, medical applications and transport.
Find examples of advanced materials in each category and explain how they
work. Then choose one of these groups and invent your advanced material.
Consider how it will work and its benefits.
English Toolkit 1 - Technology
Photocopiable © Ediciones Santillana S.A. / Richmond 2011
a
b
c
d
