Stainless steel: When normal steel is left out in the environment it does not take long for the steel to corrode. So to stop this corrosion Chromium, zinc and carbon were alloyed with this steel (iron). The Chromium creates an oxide surface film which protects the metal from corrosion. Depending on the environment the alloy is going to be in other elements such as titanium, Niobium and Molybdenum can be added to increase corrosion resistance over higher temperatures.

PVCPVC is a polymer that is now widely used as piping. Being a polymer means that it is Non-conductive, light weight, malleable at high temperatures, resistance to chemicals, resistant to corrosion and is non-biodegradable. This means that it is a perfect substitute to old fashioned ceramic piping, asbestos piping or even lead piping used in ancient Rome.

CeramicOur ceramic was a terracotta pot. Because of the force pushing outwards by the pots contents the pot has to be rigid and strong, also due to its placement outdoors the pot also has to be corrosion resistant, this is why a ceramic is ideal for pots. But as with time going on people have found that polymer pots are now a much more cost effective choice to manufacture.

Concrete A concrete prime use is for a structural material, it is used is most buildings today. This composite is made primarily from concrete powder, sand, aggregate and water and in most cases is reinforced with steel re-bar. This composite is able to hold a massive amount of weight because of its rigidity and strength.

GalvanizingGalvanising is a method of covering steel in a layer of zinc to protect the steel from corroding. The zinc does this by preferential corrosion, where the zinc layer will corrode before the steel thus leaving the steel UN harmed.

CorrosionCorrosion or rust are common names of oxidation taking place on metals and alloys. This corrosion can be very harmful to the object but it also used as decoration on sculptures. Corrosion needs three things to occur, the metal, water and oxygen. To counter this corrosion metal alloys such as stainless steel and processes such as galvanizing are being used.

Concrete fractureWhen the concrete sets it is important that it cures slowly as to lose all of the water in itself, if this does not happen (it cures too quickly) some of the water can be trapped in layers when this water freezes on a cold day it expands and cracks the concrete.

Carbon fibre/ aluminium honeycombBy sandwiching a sheet of aluminium honeycomb with two sheets of carbon fibre the resulting material has very beneficial properties. The aluminium honeycomb gives the material a structure to follow and rigidity while having a low cost due to the minimal material of the honeycomb shape. While the carbon fibre gives the material strength and stiffness. This material is very strong for its weight which is why it is used by the formula SAE team as well as other race teams and aircraft.