Synthetic materials

Materials that are made by humans using chemical reactions, rather than being found in nature.

Examples:  Plastic, nylon (used to make clothing, rope), polyester (used to make clothing), carbon fiber (used to make bicycles, airplanes, etc.), fiberglass, kevlar.

• synthetic materials

• polymer

• composite materials

• environmental impact

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

A large molecule made up of many smaller molecules that are linked together in a chain-like structure.

• synthetic materials

• polymer

• composite materials

• environmental impact

Materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

Example:  Glass fibers and plastic resin produce fiberglass.

Examples:  Fiberglass, carbon fiber, reinforced concrete, plywood.

• synthetic materials

• polymer

• composite materials

• environmental impact

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

The effect that human activities have on the land, animals, plants, and air around them.

• environmental impact

• resource depletion

• waste generation

• synthetic materials

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Synthetic materials may take a long time to decompose, contributing to waste accumulation in landfills. Some materials, like certain plastics, can persist for hundreds of years without breaking down fully.

• environmental impact

• resource depletion

• waste generation

• synthetic materials

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

The production of synthetic materials often requires the extraction of non-renewable resources like petroleum. This contributes to less substances available for making synthetics and can lead to habitat destruction during extraction.

• environmental impact

• resource depletion

• waste generation

• synthetic materials

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

A composite material used to make bicycles, airplanes, and other products.

• carbon fiber

• kevlar

• teflon

• composite materials

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

A synthetic polymer that is used to make bulletproof vests, helmets, and other protective gear.

• carbon fiber

• kevlar

• teflon

• composite materials

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

A brand name for a type of non-stick coating often used on cookware. This type of coating is valued for its non-stick properties, which make it resistant to sticking and easy to clean.

• carbon fiber

• kevlar

• teflon

• composite materials