Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-3-1-modern-materials [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [Design & Technology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa.md) › Modern Materials # Modern Materials Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 1.3.1 ## Modern Materials: Polymers New materials are constantly being developed. A good designer needs to keep up to date with current trends and changes so they can adapt their products and designs accordingly. ### Corn starch polymers ![Corn starch polymers](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/44e2362e-2687-495c-b437-d066c5a799a3/vegetables-nutrients-food-veg-.jpg) - Corn starch polymers are plastics that are made from vegetable starches and are sustainable. - These smart polymers are biodegradable if composted and are often used for animal feed when disposed of. - Corn starch polymers readily decompose and are good for the environment and are commonly used in packaging and polymer moulding. ### Polylactic acid (PLA) ![Polylactic acid (PLA)](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/28e8ca0d-d84a-4f7a-977c-e7b049751d92/shutterstock_666962026.jpg) - These biodegradable polymers are smooth or textured and available in a range of colours. - These polymers are non-toxic, easily moulded and widely used. - Commonly used for bottles, food and drink packaging, phone cases and 3D printer filaments. ### Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB, Biopol) ![Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB, Biopol)](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-12/9841cd83-51b5-4d35-973d-c817a4e6261a/clean-cleaning-spray-soap-.jpg) - These biodegradable polymers are smooth or textured and available in a range of colours. - These polymers are quite brittle, stable, strong and moulded easily. - They have limited chemical resistance. - Commonly used for bottles, disposable food items and household items. ## Modern Materials New materials are constantly being developed. A good designer needs to keep up to date with current trends and changes so they can adapt their products and designs accordingly. ### Flexible MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) ![Flexible MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-03/7b502065-4bf1-41c4-aa86-e94f24ec94f4/mdf-board-dt-.jpg) - This man-made board is light brown in colour, smooth on one side with a set of grooves cut on the other. - This smart board has a series of grooves cut on one side and can be shaped in one direction to form curves and waves. ### Flexible MDF cont. ![Flexible MDF cont.](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-03/ad17238d-7d7c-4627-95c8-c607cfba240d/mdf-platte-dt-.jpg) - Flexible MDF can be finished in the usual manner by using laminated veneers, varnish and other suitable coatings. - Commonly used for interesting modern furniture, internal walls and dividers. ### Titanium ![Titanium](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/1db090a7-3860-405a-9bad-2c3ca7ff31c0/Fast-Car-Speed-Quick-Blur-Light.jpg) - This versatile metal has a high strength-to-weight ratio and is corrosion resistant. - This alloy is light grey and polished in appearance and can be easily shaped or welded. ### Uses of titanium ![Uses of titanium](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-03/857ac926-0a6d-43fa-b6cd-7d0e11978d93/dentist-teeth-doctor-.jpg) - Commonly used for joint and dental implants, as the material does not react with the human body, making it hypoallergenic. - Also used in jewellery, watches, aircraft and sports cars due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. ### Fibre optics ![Fibre optics](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/0a18813c-bd29-4490-a4cf-2818a9d61ce0/Broadband-Bandwidth-Fibre-Optic-Cables-Computer-.jpg) - Used to replace traditional copper wires, these fibres allow the exchange of digital data along thin glass strands. - This glass fibre strand is surrounded by a glass cladding covered with stronger fibres and a polymer outer. ### Fibre optics cont. ![Fibre optics cont.](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/10.3.1%20Using%20materials/fibre-1562702_640-min.jpg) - These fibre optic cables are flexible, light and transfer digital data thousands of times faster than traditional copper cables. - These materials are commonly used in broadband cables, endoscopic cameras, and lighting displays such as fibre optic Christmas trees. ## Modern Materials New materials are constantly being developed. A good designer needs to keep up to date with current trends and changes so they can adapt their products and designs accordingly. ### Graphene ![Graphene](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/(s)%202.3.3.1%20-%20The%20structure%20of%20graphene-min.png) - Graphene is the thinnest material yet discovered and is one atom thick. - Graphene is a million times thinner than a human hair but 200 times stronger than steel. - This material is clear, flexible, stretchable, strong, lightweight and impermeable to all known substances. - These materials are being developed for use in mobile technology, biomedicine, composites, material coatings and energy storage. ### Liquid crystal display (LCD) ![Liquid crystal display (LCD)](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2019-03/63cb0666-c1aa-4f41-95da-cb1414f5b8af/lcd-dt-mac-computer-apple-technology-.png) - Liquid crystal displays are found in a monochrome or colour display format. - Numbers or letters are displayed when a voltage is applied to create a symbol or image. - These displays have low power consumption, create sharp images, and are compact and flat. ### Liquid crystal display (LCD) uses ![Liquid crystal display (LCD) uses](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/51a9ea45-8117-4bc5-bdae-63082fae03c7/children-403582_1920.jpg) - These displays are commonly used in many electronic products such as watches, clocks, microwaves, flat screen televisions, computer monitors, satellite navigation systems and many more. ### Nano materials ![Nano materials](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/1.1.2%20-%20Model%20of%20the%20atom/(s)%201.1.3.2%20-%20atomic%20structure-min%20(1).png) - Nano materials are derived from the field of nanotechnology meaning the branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometres, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. ### Nano materials cont. ![Nano materials cont.](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/5.1.1%20Atomic%20model/water-2986837_640.jpg) - These materials exist on a molecular or atomic scale and have benefits for electronics, engineering and scientific design. - These materials are commonly used in the miniaturisation of electronics, protective coating in the textile industry and particles to improve water resistance. ### Metal foams ![Metal foams](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/1e232f8e-dc49-46df-a3d6-88f407d2301c/fighter-plane-war.jpg) - Metal foams have a closed to open cell structure and are the same colour as most metals. - This material is strong, lightweight, electrically and thermally conductive, good sound absorption and very porous. - These materials are commonly used in aircraft, car parts, impact absorption and medical implants. ## Test yourself on Modern Materials - What is NOT a type of polymer? - Which polymer is quite brittle, stable, and strong? - What does MDF stand for? - What does LCD stand for? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/b4e64de8-a5d1-411b-81e2-aa4e2016e908/section/6de13098-03f7-4344-b63f-af5d027df219/session) - Previous topic: [1.2.3 Energy Storage Systems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-2-3-energy-storage-systems.md) - Next topic: [1.3.2 Smart Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-3-2-smart-materials.md) ## Design & Technology: AQA GCSE contents ### 1 Core Technical Principles - 1.1 New & Emerging Technologies - [1.1.1 Industry](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-1-industry.md) - [1.1.2 Enterprise](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-2-enterprise.md) - [1.1.3 Sustainability](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-3-sustainability.md) - [1.1.4 People](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-4-people.md) - [1.1.5 Culture & Society](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-5-culture-and-society.md) - [1.1.6 Environment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-6-environment.md) - [1.1.7 Production Techniques & Systems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-7-production-techniques-and-systems.md) - [1.1.8 Emerging Technologies & Design](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-8-emerging-technologies-and-design.md) - [1.1.9 End of Topic Test - New & Emerging Technologies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-9-end-of-topic-test-new-and-emerging-technologies.md) - [1.1.10 Exam-Style Questions - Emerging Technologies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-1-10-exam-style-questions-emerging-technologies.md) - 1.2 Energy Generation & Storage - [1.2.1 Fossil Fuels & Nuclear](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-2-1-fossil-fuels-and-nuclear.md) - [1.2.2 Renewable Energy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-2-2-renewable-energy.md) - [1.2.3 Energy Storage Systems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-2-3-energy-storage-systems.md) - 1.3 Developments in New Materials - [1.3.1 Modern Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-3-1-modern-materials.md) - [1.3.2 Smart Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-3-2-smart-materials.md) - [1.3.3 Exam-Style Questions - Smart Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-3-3-exam-style-questions-smart-materials.md) - [1.3.4 Composite Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-3-4-composite-materials.md) - [1.3.5 Technical Textiles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-3-5-technical-textiles.md) - 1.4 Systems Approach to Designing - [1.4.1 Inputs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-4-1-inputs.md) - [1.4.2 Processes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-4-2-processes.md) - [1.4.3 Outputs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-4-3-outputs.md) - [1.4.4 Looped Systems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-4-4-looped-systems.md) - 1.5 Mechanical Devices - [1.5.1 Types of Movement](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-5-1-types-of-movement.md) - [1.5.2 Levers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-5-2-levers.md) - [1.5.3 Linkages](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-5-3-linkages.md) - [1.5.4 Rotary Systems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-5-4-rotary-systems.md) - [1.5.5 End of Topic Test - Designing & Mechanical Devices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-5-5-end-of-topic-test-designing-and-mechanical-devices.md) - 1.6 Materials Categories - [1.6.1 Timbers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-1-timbers.md) - [1.6.2 Metals & Alloys](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-2-metals-and-alloys.md) - [1.6.3 Metals & Alloys 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-3-metals-and-alloys-2.md) - [1.6.4 Polymers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-4-polymers.md) - [1.6.5 Polymer Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-5-polymer-types.md) - [1.6.6 Textiles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-6-textiles.md) - [1.6.7 Textile Types: Fibres](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-7-textile-types-fibres.md) - [1.6.8 Textile Types: Weave](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-8-textile-types-weave.md) - [1.6.9 Paper & Boards](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-6-9-paper-and-boards.md) - 1.7 Material Properties - [1.7.1 Physical & Working Properties](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-7-1-physical-and-working-properties.md) - [1.7.2 End of Topic Test - Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-7-2-end-of-topic-test-materials.md) - [1.7.3 Exam-Style Questions - Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/1-7-3-exam-style-questions-materials.md) ### 2 Paper & Board: Specialist Technical Principles - 2.1 Selection of Materials - [2.1.1 Paper & Boards](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-1-1-paper-and-boards.md) - [2.1.2 Working with Paper & Boards](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-1-2-working-with-paper-and-boards.md) - 2.2 Paper & Board: Forces & Stresses - [2.2.1 Paper & Board: Forces & Stresses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-2-1-paper-and-board-forces-and-stresses.md) - [2.2.2 Cardboard & Paper](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-2-2-cardboard-and-paper.md) - 2.3 Paper & Board: Ecological & Social Footprint - [2.3.1 Paper & Board: Ecological & Social Footprint](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-3-1-paper-and-board-ecological-and-social-footprint.md) - [2.3.2 Paper & Board: The Six Rs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-3-2-paper-and-board-the-six-rs.md) - [2.3.3 Social Issues](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-3-3-social-issues.md) - 2.4 Paper & Board: Sources & Origins - [2.4.1 Paper & Board](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-4-1-paper-and-board.md) - [2.4.2 End of Topic Test - Paper & Board](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-4-2-end-of-topic-test-paper-and-board.md) - 2.5 Paper & Board: Using Materials - [2.5.1 Paper & Board: Properties of Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-5-1-paper-and-board-properties-of-materials.md) - [2.5.2 Paper & Board: Modification of Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-5-2-paper-and-board-modification-of-materials.md) - [2.5.3 Paper & Board: Shape & Form](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-5-3-paper-and-board-shape-and-form.md) - 2.6 Paper & Board: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes - [2.6.1 Paper & Board: Forms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-6-1-paper-and-board-forms.md) - [2.6.2 Paper & Board: Types](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-6-2-paper-and-board-types.md) - [2.6.3 Paper & Board: Sizes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-6-3-paper-and-board-sizes.md) - [2.6.4 Paper & Board: Standards Components](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-6-4-paper-and-board-standards-components.md) - 2.7 Paper & Board: Scales of Production - [2.7.1 Paper & Board: Scales of Production](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-7-1-paper-and-board-scales-of-production.md) - [2.7.2 Exam-Style Questions - Scales of Production](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-7-2-exam-style-questions-scales-of-production.md) - 2.8 Paper & Board: Specialist Techniques & Processes - [2.8.1 Paper & Board: Techniques & Processes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-8-1-paper-and-board-techniques-and-processes.md) - [2.8.2 Paper & Board: Quality Control](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-8-2-paper-and-board-quality-control.md) - 2.9 Paper & Board: Surface Treatments & Finishes - [2.9.1 Paper & Board: Surface Treatments & Finishes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-9-1-paper-and-board-surface-treatments-and-finishes.md) - [2.9.2 End of Topic Test - Specialist Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/2-9-2-end-of-topic-test-specialist-techniques.md) ### 3 Timber: Specialist Technical Principles - 3.1 Timber: Selection of Materials - [3.1.1 Timber Based Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-1-1-timber-based-materials.md) - [3.1.2 Timber: Environment & Ethics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-1-2-timber-environment-and-ethics.md) - 3.2 Timber: Forces & Stresses - [3.2.1 Timber: Forces & Stresses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-2-1-timber-forces-and-stresses.md) - [3.2.2 Timber](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-2-2-timber.md) - 3.3 Timber: Ecological & Social Footprint - [3.3.1 Timber: Ecological & Social Footprint](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-3-1-timber-ecological-and-social-footprint.md) - [3.3.2 Timber: The Six Rs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-3-2-timber-the-six-rs.md) - [3.3.3 Timber: Social Issues](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-3-3-timber-social-issues.md) - [3.3.4 Exam-Style Questions - Timber](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-3-4-exam-style-questions-timber.md) - 3.4 Timber: Sources & Origins - [3.4.1 Timber](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-4-1-timber.md) - [3.4.2 Timber: Processing & Seasoning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-4-2-timber-processing-and-seasoning.md) - [3.4.3 Manufactured Board](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-4-3-manufactured-board.md) - [3.4.4 End of Topic Test - Timber](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-4-4-end-of-topic-test-timber.md) - 3.5 Timber: Using Materials - [3.5.1 Timber: Properties of Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-5-1-timber-properties-of-materials.md) - [3.5.2 Timber: Modification of Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-5-2-timber-modification-of-materials.md) - [3.5.3 Timber: Shape & Form](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-5-3-timber-shape-and-form.md) - [3.5.4 Timber: Shape & Form 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-5-4-timber-shape-and-form-2.md) - 3.6 Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes - [3.6.1 Timber: Stock Forms, Types & Sizes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-6-1-timber-stock-forms-types-and-sizes.md) - 3.7 Timber: Scales of Production - [3.7.1 Timber: Scales of Production](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-7-1-timber-scales-of-production.md) - 3.8 Timber: Specialist Techniques & Processes - [3.8.1 Timber: Tools, Equipment & Processes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-8-1-timber-tools-equipment-and-processes.md) - [3.8.2 Timber: Tools, Equipment & Processes 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-8-2-timber-tools-equipment-and-processes-2.md) - [3.8.3 Timber: Quality Control](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-8-3-timber-quality-control.md) - 3.9 Timber: Surface Treatments & Finishes - [3.9.1 Timber: Surface Treatments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-9-1-timber-surface-treatments.md) - [3.9.2 Timber: Finishes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-9-2-timber-finishes.md) - [3.9.3 End of Topic Test - Specialist Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/3-9-3-end-of-topic-test-specialist-techniques.md) ### 4 Metal: Specialist Technical Principles - 4.1 Metals: Selection of Materials - [4.1.1 Metal-Based Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-1-1-metal-based-materials.md) - [4.1.2 Ferrous Metals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-1-2-ferrous-metals.md) - [4.1.3 Non-Ferrous Metals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-1-3-non-ferrous-metals.md) - [4.1.4 Alloys](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-1-4-alloys.md) - [4.1.5 Metals: Environment & Ethics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-1-5-metals-environment-and-ethics.md) - 4.2 Metals: Forces & Stresses - [4.2.1 Metals: Forces & Stresses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-2-1-metals-forces-and-stresses.md) - 4.3 Metals: Ecological & Social Footprint - [4.3.1 Metals: Ecological Footprint](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-3-1-metals-ecological-footprint.md) - [4.3.2 Metals: Social Footprint](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-3-2-metals-social-footprint.md) - [4.3.3 Metals: The Six R's](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-3-3-metals-the-six-rs.md) - [4.3.4 Metals: Social Issues](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-3-4-metals-social-issues.md) - 4.4 Metals: Sources & Origins - [4.4.1 Origins of Metal](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-4-1-origins-of-metal.md) - [4.4.2 Processing Metals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-4-2-processing-metals.md) - 4.5 Metals: Alloy-Based Materials - [4.5.1 Types of Metal Alloys](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-5-1-types-of-metal-alloys.md) - [4.5.2 Alloying Elements](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-5-2-alloying-elements.md) - [4.5.3 Properties & Benefits](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-5-3-properties-and-benefits.md) - [4.5.4 Processing & Fabrication](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-5-4-processing-and-fabrication.md) - [4.5.5 Applications of Alloys](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-5-5-applications-of-alloys.md) - [4.5.6 Metal Alloys in Industry](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-5-6-metal-alloys-in-industry.md) - [4.5.7 Applications of Metal Alloys](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-5-7-applications-of-metal-alloys.md) - 4.6 Metals: Using Materials - [4.6.1 Properties of Metals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-6-1-properties-of-metals.md) - [4.6.2 Modification of Metals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-6-2-modification-of-metals.md) - [4.6.3 Metals: Shape & Form](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-6-3-metals-shape-and-form.md) - 4.7 Metals: Scales of Production - [4.7.1 Metals: Scales of Production](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-7-1-metals-scales-of-production.md) - 4.8 Metals: Specialist Techniques & Processes - [4.8.1 Metals: Tools](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-8-1-metals-tools.md) - [4.8.2 Metals: Tools & Equipment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-8-2-metals-tools-and-equipment.md) - [4.8.3 Metals: Cutting, Forming & Machining Processes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-8-3-metals-cutting-forming-and-machining-processes.md) - [4.8.4 Metals: Joining, Casting & Heat Treatment Process](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-8-4-metals-joining-casting-and-heat-treatment-process.md) - 4.9 Metals: Quality Control - [4.9.1 Metals: Quality Control](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-9-1-metals-quality-control.md) - [4.9.2 Metals: Quality Control Processes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-9-2-metals-quality-control-processes.md) - 4.10 Metals: Surface Treatments & Finishes - [4.10.1 Metals: Surface Treatments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-10-1-metals-surface-treatments.md) - [4.10.2 Metals: Surface Treatments for Metals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-10-2-metals-surface-treatments-for-metals.md) - [4.10.3 Metals: Finishes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-10-3-metals-finishes.md) - [4.10.4 Metals: Finishing Techniques for Metals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/4-10-4-metals-finishing-techniques-for-metals.md) ### 5 Polymers: Specialist Technical Principles - 5.1 Polymers - [5.1.1 Polymers: Functionality & Aesthetics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-1-1-polymers-functionality-and-aesthetics.md) - [5.1.2 Polymers: Environment & Ethics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-1-2-polymers-environment-and-ethics.md) - [5.1.3 Polymers: Sources, Origins & Properties](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-1-3-polymers-sources-origins-and-properties.md) - [5.1.4 Polymers: Forces & Stresses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-1-4-polymers-forces-and-stresses.md) - [5.1.5 Polymers: Ecological & Social Footprint](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-1-5-polymers-ecological-and-social-footprint.md) - [5.1.6 Polymers: The Six R's](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-1-6-polymers-the-six-rs.md) - 5.2 Polymer Categories - [5.2.1 Categories of Polymers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-2-1-categories-of-polymers.md) - [5.2.2 Thermoforming Polymers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-2-2-thermoforming-polymers.md) - [5.2.3 Thermosetting Polymers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-2-3-thermosetting-polymers.md) - 5.3 Polymer Forms - [5.3.1 Polymers: Stock Forms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-3-1-polymers-stock-forms.md) - [5.3.2 Polymers: Shape & Form](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-3-2-polymers-shape-and-form.md) - 5.4 Polymer Production, Techniques & Quality Control - [5.4.1 Polymers: Scales of Production](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-4-1-polymers-scales-of-production.md) - [5.4.2 Polymers: Specialist Techniques & Processes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-4-2-polymers-specialist-techniques-and-processes.md) - [5.4.3 Polymers: Quality Control Systems: Tolerance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-4-3-polymers-quality-control-systems-tolerance.md) - [5.4.4 Polymers: Finishes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/5-4-4-polymers-finishes.md) ### 6 Textiles: Specialist Technical Principles - 6.1 Textile Materials - [6.1.1 Origin of Textiles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-1-1-origin-of-textiles.md) - [6.1.2 Textile Industry](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-1-2-textile-industry.md) - 6.2 Selection of Materials - [6.2.1 Natural Fibres](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-2-1-natural-fibres.md) - [6.2.2 Synthetic Fibres](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-2-2-synthetic-fibres.md) - [6.2.3 Environmental Concerns](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-2-3-environmental-concerns.md) - [6.2.4 Environmental Impact](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-2-4-environmental-impact.md) - [6.2.5 Ethical Challenges](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-2-5-ethical-challenges.md) - 6.3 Forces & Stresses - [6.3.1 Forces & Stresses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-3-1-forces-and-stresses.md) - 6.4 Ecological & Social Footprint - [6.4.1 Ecological Footprint](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-4-1-ecological-footprint.md) - [6.4.2 Social Footprint](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-4-2-social-footprint.md) - [6.4.3 Addressing Ecological & Social Footprints](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-4-3-addressing-ecological-and-social-footprints.md) - [6.4.4 The Six R's](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-4-4-the-six-rs.md) - [6.4.5 Labour Conditions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-4-5-labour-conditions.md) - [6.4.6 Social Issues](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-4-6-social-issues.md) - [6.4.7 Addressing Social Issues](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/6-4-7-addressing-social-issues.md) ### 7 Designing & Making Principles - 7.1 Investigation & Data - [7.1.1 Iterative Design](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-1-1-iterative-design.md) - [7.1.2 Primary & Secondary Data](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-1-2-primary-and-secondary-data.md) - [7.1.3 Market Research](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-1-3-market-research.md) - [7.1.4 Ergonomics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-1-4-ergonomics.md) - [7.1.5 Specifications](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-1-5-specifications.md) - [7.1.6 End of Topic Test - Investigation & Data](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-1-6-end-of-topic-test-investigation-and-data.md) - [7.1.7 Exam-Style Questions - Specifications](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-1-7-exam-style-questions-specifications.md) - 7.2 Environmental, Social & Economic Challenges - [7.2.1 Challenges](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-2-1-challenges.md) - [7.2.2 Your Research](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-2-2-your-research.md) - 7.3 The Work of Others - [7.3.1 Designers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-3-1-designers.md) - [7.3.2 Architects](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-3-2-architects.md) - [7.3.3 Product Design](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-3-3-product-design.md) - [7.3.4 Industrial Designers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-3-4-industrial-designers.md) - [7.3.5 Product Design Companies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-3-5-product-design-companies.md) - [7.3.6 Textile Design Companies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-3-6-textile-design-companies.md) - [7.3.7 End of Topic Test - The Work of Others](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-3-7-end-of-topic-test-the-work-of-others.md) - 7.4 Design Strategies - [7.4.1 Design Strategies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-4-1-design-strategies.md) - 7.5 Communication of Design Ideas - [7.5.1 Design Communication](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-5-1-design-communication.md) - 7.6 Prototype Development - [7.6.1 Prototype Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-6-1-prototype-development.md) - 7.7 Selection of Materials - [7.7.1 Materials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-7-1-materials.md) - 7.8 Tolerances - [7.8.1 Tolerances](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-8-1-tolerances.md) - 7.9 Material Management - [7.9.1 Managing Material](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-9-1-managing-material.md) - [7.9.2 Tools](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-9-2-tools.md) - 7.10 Specialist Equipment - [7.10.1 Health & Safety](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-10-1-health-and-safety.md) - 7.11 Specialist Techniques & Processes - [7.11.1 Specialist Techniques & Processes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-11-1-specialist-techniques-and-processes.md) - [7.11.2 Surface Finishes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-11-2-surface-finishes.md) - [7.11.3 End of Topic Test - Designing & Making](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/design-and-technology/aqa/7-11-3-end-of-topic-test-designing-and-making.md)