PROPERTIES OF MATTER ANCHOR PROJECT EXAMPLE

Goal: Given an object, I can identify the major materials that make it up and the properties of those materials that make them suitable for use.

GLASSES

Function: Glasses are worn by people whose eyesight is impaired. Glasses allow people to see more clearly and can correct vision.

Nose Piece: Plastic

Ear Piece: Plastic

Frame: Titanium

Lens: High Index Plastic

Screws: Stainless Steel

Protective Coating: Plastic Resin Polymer

Parts and Major Materials

WHY THE MATERIALS ARE USED

Titanium for frames*Low density. This metal is lightweight so the glasses are more comfortable and not heavy on the face. *Corrosion resistant. This metal is resistant to rusting so if the glasses get wet from water or sweat they won’t corrode.

Plastic Resin Polymer for protective coating*Hard. This plastic is very hard andscratch resistant so lenses are not easily damaged.*Anti-reflective. Eliminates glare andreflections allowing person to see moreclearly.

WHY THE MATERIALS ARE USED

Polycarbonate plastic for lenses*Absorbent. This plastic material can absorb 99% of UV light.

*Impact resistant. It can withstand contact and won’t break. 10 times more resistant than standard plastic.

HISTORY OF POLYCARBONATE PLASTIC

When and Where First Appeared

In 1953 Dr. H. Schnell made the first polycarbonate plastic in his lab in Germany.

How and why it was discovered

Polycarbonate was first used for electrical and electronic purposes as a more cost effective way to coat wires and buildings. It is very heat resistant and can clean easily,

very strong and a good insulator.

How the original material has changed over time and how it is different today

Today polycarbonate is used in many applications not just for electrical purposes. Water bottles, refrigerators,

hair dryers, cell phones, computers are all primarily composed of polycarbonate plastic.

WAYS THE OBJECT CAN STILL BE IMPROVEDOne complaint glasses wearers often have is that their lenses get dirty or smudged and they have to clean them by taking them off and rubbing them with a cloth.

One way I would improve glasses to solve this problem is work on a coating, similar to the anti-scratch and glare coating, but one that is resistant to dirt and grease so the wearer doesn’t have to clean the lenses as often. .

REFERENCES

http://www.keytometals.com/Article122.htm

http://www.allaboutvision.com/lenses/coatings.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-polycarbonate-glasses.htm

http://www.plasticseurope.org/what-is-plastic/types-of-plastics/polycarbonate/the-history-of-polycarbonate.aspx