Performance Materials
Nanotechnology has the capacity to revolutionise the design and characteristics of performance materials, and has already been incorporated into numerous textiles and polymers on the market. This module is presented in the form of 2 streams: Carbon Nanotubes and Textiles, and can be implemented alongside any Chemistry unit at the year 9 and 10 levels.
Module Guide
Overall, it contains information about carbon chemistry, nanotechnology, polymers and textiles. Following the introduction of key concepts, it allows students to explore the impact of nanotechnology upon materials and textiles science. The 2 streams can be used sequentially or individually.
Module Guide Word (188kb)
Carbon Nanotubes
This stream of the Performance Materials module utilises an examination of allotropes of carbon to introduce the concept of covalent bonds, to explore the role of molecular characteristics in determining material properties, and to have a ‘first look’ at nanotechnology.
Textiles
This stream of the Performance Materials module examines the impact of nanotechnology on the textile industry. It can fit into a number of different science curricula areas; however it is best suited to coincide with lessons on carbon chemistry and polymers. Information on carbon chemistry, polymers, fabrics and nanotechnology has been included in this module, as well as information about currently available nano-textiles.