CHM084 · Materials, Polymers & Nano · Classes 6–12
Glass, Ceramic and Composite
Objective: To compare the inner structure of glass, ceramics and composites.
🧰 Virtual materials and apparatus
- Virtual cut-away blocks of four materials
- On-screen controls and live readout
📐 Formulas and SI units
structure → properties
💡 Theory
Glass is amorphous: its atoms are arranged randomly, like a frozen liquid, so it is transparent but brittle. Ceramics such as alumina are crystalline, very hard and heat-resistant. Composites combine two materials: fibreglass has strong glass fibres in a resin; reinforced concrete has steel bars to carry pulling forces.
🪜 Guided virtual procedure
- Choose glass and look at the random arrangement.
- Compare the ordered ceramic.
- Look at the fibres in fibreglass.
- Look at the steel bars in concrete.
- Match each material to a use.
📋 Observations Simulated values
✅ Result and conclusion
Soda-lime glass is amorphous (2.5 g/cm³): transparent but brittle.
🔬 Real lab vs simulation
Cut-aways are schematic; real structures span many length scales.
⚠️ Safety
Models only; broken glass and ceramic edges are sharp.
❓ Quick check
1. Glass is…
2. Why put steel bars in concrete?
3. Fibreglass is a…
🏋️ Practice
EasyName a ceramic object.
Answer: Tiles, cups, spark plugs
MediumWhy are aircraft parts made of composites?
Answer: Light and strong
ChallengeDensity of alumina?
Answer: ≈ 3.95 g/cm³