S-3: Handout 5

Composite metal jacket

1 Read the text Composite metal jacket (Radni materijali, p. 61).

Which statement best expresses what the text is about?

1 Bullet-proof vests currently in use are not a perfect fit and they are costly.

2 The DCP technique involves dipping a preformed ceramic item into an alloy.

3 The DCP technique allows for creating a dense, lightweight and strong composite that could
be used for making cheaper and more comfortable body armour.

2 Which paragraph best ...

a) ... defines this new technique?

b) ... describes the process?

c) ... discusses another possible use of this new technique?

a) Paragraph_____ b) Paragraph _____ Paragraph_____

3 Identify and underline the cohesive elements in the following paragraphs.

a) The technique Displacive Compensation of Porosity (DCP) uses a chemical reaction

between molten metal and preformed porous ceramics. The process creates strong,
lightweight moulded materials for applications such as thinner, and stronger body armour and
bullet-proof vests. These currently consist of ceramic plates wedged between layers of fabric.

b) Boron carbide is the third strongest material known to man,’ said Sandhage. ‘However,
there is a need to make it lighter and easier to mould.

4 Guess (infer) the meaning of the bolded words from the context.

‘We are also working on using the process to create solid fuel rocket nozzles,’ said Sandhage.
‘During use temperatures can exceed 2,500°C, while the propellant moves through them at
supersonic speed, making it very corrosive.’

to exceed=_______________________________
propellant=____________________________