Challenge of Materials

 

On Display

Polythene pill box, 1936.

Pill box made from the first pound of polyethylene in 1936 at ICI, Research Department. Presented to Mr. Frank Bebbington, one of the research team

 
Three protective gloves, c 1982-1996.

Live-line working woollen/stainless steel fibre suit with socks and gloves attached

 
Military doctor's belt buckle, French, 1830-1890.

Military doctor's belt buckle, consisting of two discs, with caduceus, linked by serpent, in ormolu, French, 1830-1890. Ormolu describes decorative objects, or furniture mounts, made in the 18th and early 19th centuries in cast brass, and then chased

 
Millennium cordless jug kettle, 1996.

Russell Hobbs 'Millennium' cordless electric kettle, model no. 3161, with disc element, by Pifco Ltd., Manchester, 1996.

 
Brass incense burner, Indian, 19th century.

The best known copper alloys are the brasses, which are composed of copper and zinc. Brass is a very versatile material and has excellent casting properties. It can therefore be used for free standing objects, and parts made from cast brass can also

 
Incense burner, Indian, 1801-1900.

An incense burner in the form of a fish, made of a copper alloy, Indian, 19th century.

 
Ingot of titanium aluminide
 
Dunlop Max 200G tennis racket, 1984.

Dunlop Max 200G tennis racket, with carbon fibre in nylon, injection moulded frame, 1984

 
Pendant in the form of a human mask, Nigerian, 1801-1920.

Copper alloys have a unique combination of characteristics.They have high thermal and electrical conductivity, high corrosion resistance and high ductility and formability, as well as attractive colours. The best known copper alloys are the brasses w

 
Gold Inca statue, c 15th-16th century.

Gold is a yellow precious metal that has always been one of the most valued materials. Not only is it rare, but it can be exposed to the atmosphere for a long time without tarnishing, and can be repeatedly melted without much loss in weight. Gold, an