Handout 2 – Defining and adding information; Word formation

Properties of Materials

Task 1 - Circle the correct option.

Modern ceramics have been used in engineering components because of the properties they
exhibit/contain. Ceramics can absorb/withstand high temperatures without melting and they
can absorb/exhibit high heat. The former property is the reason why they are used for/used
to furnace linings, while the latter makes them suitable for/suited to storage heaters.
Ceramics can also resist/absorb penetration and indentation. Therefore, they are used
for/used to cutting tools and grinding wheels. When subjected to/applied to high
temperatures and creep, they do not expand. As a result, ceramics are used to/used for
turbine blades where elongation would wreck the engine. As they do not conduct electrical
current, insulators on high power transmission lines are made from/consisted of ceramics.

Task 2 -Complete the table using the words from the lecture.

NOUNS ADJECTIVES

Task 3 - Complete the table.

Adjective Noun Croatian (adjective)
dense gust
brittleness krhak
pliable savitljiv
ductile ductility
machinability strojno obradiv
conductive provodljiv
heaviness težak
durable durability
clear clearness
light lightness
stiffness krut
hard hardness
strong čvrst
fluid fluidity
tough toughness
Task 4 Complete the sentences using the words below.

tough strength ductile pliable durability brittle

1 The presence of extra carbon in high carbon steels make them more _____________.
2 Cast irons are ferrous alloys that exhibit special properties such as good castability, wear
resistance, and____________.
3 Titanium alloys are expensive but have a combination of_____________ and lightness not
available from any other metal alloy system and so are extensively used for aircraft
structural parts.
4 Steel has an optimal mix of both strength and ductile properties, making it
extremely_______________.
5 A thermoplastic material softens (becomes _____________ and plastic) when heated.