Browse Items (306 total)

Magnesium is a metal almost indistinguishable from aluminum in color, but of lower density. It is the lightest of the light-metal trio (with partners aluminum and titanium) and light it is - a computer case made from magnesium is barely two thirds…

Slates are formed by the deposition of clay and mud, consolidated by pressure. Their most striking features are their ability to be cleaved, producing flat slabs or sheets, and their impermeability to water in a direction normal to the cleavage…

Epoxies are thermosetting polymers with excellent mechanical, electrical and adhesive properties and good resistance to heat and chemical attack. They are used for adhesives (Araldite), surface coatings and, when filled with other materials such as…

Silicon is the second most abundant element, exceeded only by oxygen and making up 26% of the earth's crust by weight. It is found largely as silicon oxides such as sand (silica), quartz, rock crystal, amethyst, agate, flint, jasper and opal, and as…

Styrene Butadiene Copolymer Rubber (SBR) is the synthetic rubber that is most widely used and has the highest production volume. It is nearly always compounded with reinforcing fillers such as carbon black.
Strengths - When filled, its strength…

Silicon carbide (SiC, carborundum), made by fusing sand and coke at 2200 C, is the grit on high quality sandpaper. It is very hard and maintains its strength to 1400C high temperature, has good thermal shock resistance, excellent abrasion…

When the Romans conquered Britain in 43AD they discovered rich deposits of lead ore and started a mining and refining industry that was to continue for 1000 years (the symbol for lead - Pb - derives from its Latin name - Plumbum). They used it for…

Butyl Rubbers (IIR) are synthetics that resemble natural rubber (NR) in properties. They have good resistance to abrasion, tearing and flexing, with exceptionally low gas permeability and useful properties up to 150 C. They have low dielectric…

The small round red cedar from the outer Southern coastal plains has plump cones (3-4 mm long) with scale-like leaves forming on the slender extremity of the sprig on the slow- growing shoots. This common plant is found in sand dunes and marshes…

General Applications: Flooring, furniture, brush blocks, handles, veneer, woodenware, containers, cooperage, laundry appliances,
turning, sleepers (when treated).