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      Enhancing the properties of papers and boards

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how paper and board material properties can be enhanced.

      Key learning points

      1. Combining materials creates improved properties, compared to the individual materials alone.
      2. Material properties can be modified with the use of heat and/or additives.
      3. Reinforcing techniques can improve a material’s structural integrity.

      Keywords

      • Properties - words used to describe how a material appears (physical/characteristic), or behaves when worked (working/mechanical)

      • Combine - to join two or more things to create something new

      • Modify - to change something to make it perform differently

      • Reinforce - to make something stronger

      • Structural integrity - how well something stays together and holds up without breaking

      Common misconception

      A material's properties are fixed and cannot be changed.

      Many materials can be altered after they are made to improve their properties, e.g. strength, flexibility, etc.

      Teacher tip

      Use existing products to demonstrate altering material properties.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Materials are chosen based on their physical and working .

      Correct Answer: properties, property

      Q2.
      Which of the following is a working/mechanical property of a material?

      colour
      Correct answer: hardness
      density
      transparency

      Q3.
      The ability of a material to resist breaking when a force is applied is called .

      Correct Answer: toughness, tough

      Q4.
      Match each material with its primary working/mechanical property:

      Correct Answer:rubber,elasticity

      elasticity

      Correct Answer:steel,toughness

      toughness

      Correct Answer:copper,electrical conductivity

      electrical conductivity

      Correct Answer:glass,hardness

      hardness

      Q5.
      Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?

      physical properties/characteristics relate to how a material looks and feels
      working/mechanical properties describe material behaviour when exposed to forces
      Correct answer: hardness is a physical property/characteristic
      elasticity is a working/mechanical property

      Q6.
      Put the following materials in order of increasing hardness (from least to most hard):

      1 - pine
      2 - acrylic
      3 - glass
      4 - steel

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the main job of the matrix in a composite material?

      to give the material its strength
      to make the material heavier
      Correct answer: to bind the reinforcement together and protect it
      to allow the reinforcement to move freely

      Q2.
      What is the purpose of adding additives to papers and boards during production?

      to make the paper thicker and heavier
      Correct answer: to change the colour and improve the surface properties
      to make the paper biodegradable
      to reduce the cost of production

      Q3.
      Which process uses heat and pressure to create a denser and smoother material?

      Correct Answer: calendering

      Q4.
      How can chemical treatments be used to enhance paper and board materials?

      by making boards thicker
      creating a permanent colour change
      Correct answer: by adding special coatings or substances
      by making papers thinner and more flexible

      Q5.
      What does 'structural integrity' refer to in materials and structures?

      Correct answer: it can maintain its shape under normal conditions without breaking
      the aesthetic appearance of a structure
      it can resist environmental changes like temperature and moisture
      the cost-effectiveness of building a structure

      Q6.
      Match the following structural integrity techniques to their definition:

      Correct Answer:lamination,one material bonded to at least one other

      one material bonded to at least one other

      Correct Answer:calendering,high pressure and heat is used to compact fibres

      high pressure and heat is used to compact fibres

      Correct Answer:corrugation,a fluted layer is used to provide strength

      a fluted layer is used to provide strength

      Correct Answer:gussets,folded sections that allow expansion and improve load distribution

      folded sections that allow expansion and improve load distribution

      Correct Answer:interlocking tabs,used for flat packages to hold their shape, without the need for glue

      used for flat packages to hold their shape, without the need for glue

      Correct Answer:ribbing,adding walls or ridges to a material to improve its strength

      adding walls or ridges to a material to improve its strength


      To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Enhancing the properties of papers and boards, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...