Challenge of Materials
On Display
Sample of first nylon (polyamide) knitted tubing. Knitted July 1935 made from pentamethylenediamine and sebacic acid
Samples of protective plates used in body armour showing effect of ballistic test: 3 ceramic faced , composite backed; one in steel; made by the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency, 1996. Plus 5.6mm bullet and 7.62mm bullet.
A sculpture inspired by the idea of turning the steel filaments into air filled with light.
When a given object is to be made in large numbers by casting, a permanent metal mould is used.The rapid cooling obtained in such a mould gives a fine-grained structure and a mechanically strong casting with a good surface finish. Pressure die castin
"Sqezy" bottle with two metal ends, the first squeeze to use detergent pack 1958, Cascelloid
Plant pot made from polypropylene reclaimed from process scrap from the fibre industry. Collected by S. Mossman at "Interplas" (NEC, Birmingham), 1990.
Recycled PVC wellington boot, 1991
Carbon fibre 1965, in glass tube, B24 Quickfit stoppered, labelled: "1st sample of carbon fibres made by Courtaulds heat treated at R.A.E. for 1 hour at 2500 degree C. on 15.9.65 ( signed) W. Watt CPM Dept RAE"
Triangular medallion made from the first ton of polyethylene produced at ICI, Wallerscote, in December, 1938. Medallion marked `DEC.1938 WALLERSCOTE', attached to metal clip marked `FB' (Frank Bebbington)