The processed materials are those that have gone through some kind of processing and that are used in the manufacture of other products. These are distinguished from both the raw material concept and the component definition.
Unlike the former, its natural state has undergone some sort of modification. Nor do they retain their identity in the finished product, as is the case of the components.
Paper is made from trees
At the beginning of the 19th century, basic machines were developed to form, shape and cut, mainly in England.
Since then, methods of processing materials, techniques and machinery have grown in both variety and number.
Examples of processed materials
Paper
He paper is made from pulp with various additives to control the physical characteristics, printability and aesthetics of the finished product.
Today, most of the paper is made from wood pulp (mostly spruce or pine). However, cotton, flax, straw, bamboo and hemp fibers may be used.
Glass
Glass makers add chemicals (soda ash and an accelerant such as potassium nitrate) to silica sand to bring it to temperatures around 2450 F.
Then add small amounts of metal to change the color and give the shape in hot to finally let it cool.
Bronze
Another example of processed materials is bronze. This material is a stronger copper and tin alloy than any of its two components.
Their discovery had such a large effect on history that the time period in which they were first used was known as the Bronze Age.
Steel
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon. This is also mixed with other elements such as manganese, nickel, chromium and vanadium (special steel alloys), but the main companion in the mix is always carbon. This alloy is one of the most widely used processed materials.
Leather
This material is made from large and small animal skins. The use of animal skins is one of the oldest technologies of man, perhaps even before the manufacture of tools. Therefore, it is also one of the oldest processed materials.
Adobe bricks
These processed materials are made by mixing soil with water, placing the mixture in molds and drying the bricks in the open air.
Straw or other stress-bearing fibers are added to help reduce cracking.
Cloth
The fabric is made with interlaced yarns. These threads, in turn, are made with natural fiber and, in some cases, also with synthetic fibers. For its part, the most used fibers are cotton, wool, linen and silk.
Nylon
Nylon is produced by a process called polymerization, in which water is a key ingredient. In addition, amine, hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, all chemicals, are used.
These produce a chain of molecules, similar to the structure of nylon, which are held together by hydrogen atoms.
Concrete or concrete
Normal concrete is made of fine sand and regular aggregates such as crushed stone or gravel, in addition to water.
The mixture may have other extra aggregates. For example, the ancient Romans added lard, blood, milk and other materials to make concrete more viable.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a white, odorless and solid plastic that is widely used in construction.
This popular thermoplastic contains high levels of chlorine, up to 57%. Coal is also used in its manufacture.
References
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- Downton, P. (2013). Mud brick. Australian Government. Retrieved on October 7, 2017, from yourhome.gov.au.
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Cambridge: Goohead Publishing. - Barker, L. (2017, April 24). Where Does Nylon Come From? Retrieved on October 10, 2017, from sciencing.com.
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