DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
M ATERI ALS INVESTIG ATI ON
PLASTICS
General note:
Most of the evidence
of a particular
performance standard
against each specific
feature is cumulative.
Planning
Analysis of information
to develop solutions to
an identified design
brief. This is relevant
insofar as materials
for the major product
are identified.
Communication of
product design ideas
using relevant
technical language.
One of the most
relevant specific
features.
Testing, modification,
and validation of ideas
or procedures.
By testing materials
the student can
provide evidence of
this specific feature.
WORD COUNT- 700
Investigating
Identification of a
need, problem or
challenge.
Investigation in the
Materials Application
assists students in
identifying appropriate
materials for the major
product.
Investigation of
product material
options and analysis
for product use.
One of the most
relevant specific
features.
Evaluating
Reflection on
materials, ideas or
procedures, with
recommendations.
One of the most
relevant specific
features.
Page 1 of 10
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
Introduction
I am redesigning a plastic bottle shape and associated holder on my designed product this
year, and I am to make a prototype using computer aided manufacturing. It is the materials
used for possible product of this prototype that I am going to test.
The two plastics which I have selected are P.E and P.V.0 to test, as both have properties that
would allow successful manufacture for my prototype.
Suitable properties for my prototype manufacture are:
Manufacture easily and quickly

Finish well and be painted

Hardness, impact and be scratch resistant

Thermoplastic
Page 2 of 10
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
Investigating
Considered
identification of a
need, problem, or
challenge. In this
case the need is to
choose appropriate
materials for a
prototype of a bottle
with holder.
Competent
investigation into
product material
options, and
analysis for product
use.
At this stage, only
the intention has
been outlined. This
combines with other
sections identified in
this report of the
investigation to set
the appropriate
standard.
Material Properties
I am testing High Density Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride because these plastics both
contain necessary properties for my prototype.
I am looking for a plastic that is easy to bend and shape but isn't too flexible that it will bend out
of shape. I am also looking for a plastic that won't snap or break when dropped and has a nice
surface finish which isn't rough. I am hoping that by conducting these plastic tests that I can find
the material best suited for my prototype.
A plastic bottle should not break or snap or be dented if it is squeezed, dropped, bounced or
thrown etc. This would be tested through the hardness test, which will prove which plastic is
more resistant to heavy impact i.e. scratching
To help prove which plastic is more flexible I will use the elasticity test. This will show which
plastic is more flexible and if it will bend back into shape. A plastic bottle can't lose its shape
once it has been moulded but must be easy to mould to begin with.
The machine test will give me an idea of which plastic has a better surface finish. A plastic bottle
doesn't have rough or uneven edges. The surface finish must be smooth and even and have no
rough edges.
Page 3 of 10
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
Planning
Competent testing,
modification and
validation of ideas
or procedures. At
this stage still only
an intention. The
ideas tested are
the ideas for
materials.
Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl Chloride, most commonly shortened to P.V.C, is the third most commonly used
thermoplastic around the world for manufacturing. P.V.0 is tough and durable with good
resistance to chemicals, electricity and is also weather resistant. P.V.0 is also soft and flexible. 1
About 57% of Polyvinyl chloride mass is chlorine. The chemical structure for Polyvinyl chloride
relates to a sheet-like structure of polyvinyl chloride or a copolymer of vinyl chloride, which is
capable of absorbing water vapor and transmitting water vapor. It is composed of polymeric
particles and, modified polymer.2
Investigating
Competent
investigation into
product material
options and
analysis for
product use.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wilci/Polyvinyl chloride .
2. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4 17827 1 .html
Page 4 of 10
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
High Density Polyethylene
P.E's chemical name is Polyethylene, the most popular plastic in the world. P.E is a
thermoplastic and has a very simple structure, the simplest of all commercial
polymers. Polyethylene is very tough and flexible with high resistants to electricity
and chemicals. The mechanical properties of PE depend significantly on variables such
as the extent and type of branching, the crystal structure, and the molecular weight.
Generally, the integrity of end product polyethylene -based material in the plastics
industry is based on density and melting point which can be up to 120°C for short
periods of time.
The chemical structure for polyethylene has a very simple structure. A molecule of
polyethylene is nothing more than a long chain of carbon atoms, with two hydrogen
atoms attached to each carbon atom.3
Investigating
Competent
investigation into
product material
options and
analysis for
product use.
When there is no branching, it is called linear polyethylene, or HDPE. Linear
polyethylene is much stronger than branched polyethyle ne, but branched
polyethylene is cheaper and easier to make.4
High Density Polyethylene is a good material to test because it has some of the
necessary requirements that would be needed for my prototype.
3
4
http://pslc.ws/macrogcss/pe.html
http://pslc.ws/macrogcss/pe.html
Page 5 of 10
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
Planning
Analysis of
information to
develop
appropriate
solutions to an
identified design
brief.
Design Plastic Assignment
Test
Materials
Elastic test
High Density Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride
To test both materials to find out which material is more
Aim
flexible and bends back into shape
One 30mm sheet of Polyethylene
Equipment
One 30mm sheet of Polyvinyl chloride
Two 500g weights
Place both sheets of plastic on a table and clamp
Measure distance from ground to plastic
Then add the 500g of weight at the end of each plastic
Measure the distance once again
Take weights off to see which plastic bends back
Method
The P.V.C plastic bent with weights on 63mm where as the
H.D.P.E bent 151mm.
The P.V.C also went back to shape where as the H.D.P.E
did not
Observation
Independent
variable
N/A
My findings for the elasticity test was that the H.D.P.E
Conclusion
would be a better plastic to make my prototyp e from
because it is flexible
Page 6 of 10
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
Design Plastic Assignment
Test
Materials
Aim
Hardness test
High Density Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride
To test both materials to see which plastic is softer
through the width of the dent that is made in each of the
plastics.
Measurement device
Equipment
Hole punch
P.V.C tube
Place either of the sheets of plastic on a hard surface and
drop the piece of metal through the tube so it makes a
dent in the plastic
Planning
Analysis of
information to
develop
appropriate
solutions to an
identified design
brief.
Do this around 10 times to get more of a consistency with
Competent testing
and modification
and validation of
ideas or
procedures. The
equipment
required for the
tests to be
performed is
shown.
each dent
Method
The P.V.C had a smaller bounce when the metal was
dropped. It showed a consistency of a 2.20 mm dent
The H.D.P.E had a much longer bounce with each drop and had
a consistency of a 2.80-3mm dent.
Observation
Independent
variable
N/A
My findings for the hardness test was that the P.V.C plastic was
Conclusion
able to withstand the metal more and would be suitable for my
prototype
Page 7 of 10
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
Investigating
Practical evidence
of competent
investigation into
product material
options and
analysis for
product use.
Design Plastic Assignment
Test
Materials
Aim
Equipment
Machine test
High Density Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride
To test both plastics to find out which material has a
better surface finish
NC Machine
Catia computer program
Create geometry of a circ le and a triangle for a 10cm in
length P.V.C and H.D.P.E and then process through the
NC machine
Method
Observation
Independent
variable
Conclusion
Page 8 of 10
Planning
Analysis of
information to
develop
appropriate
solutions to an
identified design
brief.
Competent testing,
modification and
validation of ideas
or procedures.
The H.D.P.E had a really rough surface finish where as the
P.V.C had a must cleaner and smoother finish
N/A
My findings for the machine test was that the P.V. C
would be a much better plastic to machine for my
prototype because it had a much more appropriate
surface finish
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
Conclusion
Through testing High Density Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride I h ave come to the
conclusion that Polyvinyl Chloride would be the appropriate plastic for my prototype. I
came to this conclusion though the results of the tests that conducted. Polyvinyl Chloride
is an appropriate plastic compared to High Density Polyethyle ne because it was flexible
Planning
Competent
communication of
different quality
product design
ideas using
relevant technical
language.
and bent back to shape, it was the stronger plastic and Polyvinyl Chloride had the
perfect surface finish as to High Density Polyethylene.
Polyvinyl Chloride is the better choice for a plastic and I am sure I will be very happy with
the outcome of my prototype of a plastic bottle shape made from Polyvinyl Chloride.
Additional Comment
On balance, a review of the work provides evidence of:

competent investigation with the characteristics of some existing products (Investigating)

competent investigation into product material options and analysis for product use (Investigating)

competent communication of product design ideas, using relevant technical language (Planning)

analysis of information to develop appropriate solutions to an identified design brief (Planning).
Bibliography
Wednesday 8thth of April
Last update: 2009
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyyinyl_chloride>
Wednesday 8th of April
Last update: 2009
<http://images.google.com.au/images?gbv=2&h1=en&safe=actiye&sa=1&q=High+Density
+Polyethylene&btnG=Search+Images&aq=f&oq=>
Wednesday 8th of April
Last update: 2009
<http://images.google.com.au/images?gby=2&h1=en&safe=actiye&sa=1&q=P.V.C&a
q=f&oq=>
Tuesday 28th of April
Last updated: 2005
< http://pslc.ws/macrogcss/pe.html >
Friday 1st of May
Last updated: 2009
< http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4178271.html >
Page 9 of 10
Stage 2 Design and Technology student response for use in 2011
533570809 (October 2010)
© SACE Board of South Australia 2010
Evaluating
Considered
reflection on
materials, ideas
and procedures,
with appropriate
recommendations.
Stage 2 Design and Technology Performance Standards
A
Investigating
Planning
Producing
Evaluating
Clear, comprehensive, and well-considered
identification of a need, problem, or challenge.
In-depth analysis of
information to develop
imaginative, innovative,
and enterprising
solutions to an identified
problem.
Sophisticated application of
appropriate skills, processes,
procedures, and techniques to
create a product or system to a
precise or polished standard
and specification.
Insightful and well-considered
evaluation of product success against
design brief requirements.
Accomplished
communication of a
variety of refined
product design ideas,
consistently using
relevant technical
language.
Accomplished use of resources,
equipment, and materials to
create a product or system
safely and accurately.
Thorough and insightful creation and validation of
initial design brief based on needs analysis and task
identification.
Purposeful investigation and critical analysis of the
characteristics of a broad variety of existing
products, processes, systems, and/or production
techniques.
In-depth investigation into product material options
and focused and thorough critical analysis for
product use.
B
Focused and perceptive investigation into the impact
of products or systems on individuals, society,
and/or the environment.
Purposeful testing and
refined modification and
validation of ideas or
procedures.
Well-considered identification of a need, problem, or
challenge.
Thoughtful analysis of
information to develop
enterprising solutions to
an identified design
brief.
Well-considered creation and validation of an initial
design brief based on needs analysis and task
identification.
Thoughtful investigation and analysis of the
characteristics of a variety of existing products,
processes, systems, and/or production techniques.
Detailed investigation into product material options
and thorough analysis for product use.
Some depth of investigation into the impact of
products or systems on individuals, society, and/or
the environment.
C
Considered identification of a need, problem, or
challenge.
Considered creation and validation of an initial
design brief based on needs analysis and task
identification.
Competent investigation of the characteristics of
some existing products, processes, systems, and/or
production techniques.
Competent investigation into product material
options and analysis for product use.
Generally thoughtful investigation into the impact of
products or systems on individuals, society, and/or
the environment.
D
Identification of a basic need, problem, or challenge.
Creation of a basic initial design brief with some
consideration of a needs analysis.
Identification of the characteristics of some existing
products, processes, systems, or production
techniques.
Some basic description of material options.
Some description of the impact of products or
systems on individuals, society, or the environment.
E
Limited identification of a need, problem, or
challenge.
Capable communication
of different quality
product design ideas
using relevant technical
language.
Accomplished and resourceful
development of solutions to
technical problems that may
arise during product or system
realisation.
Capable application of
appropriate skills, processes,
procedures, and techniques to
create a product or system to a
mostly precise or polished
standard and specification.
Refined and well-considered
reflection on materials, ideas and
procedures, with sophisticated
recommendations.
Resourceful and well-informed
analysis of the impact of the product
or system on individuals, society,
and/or the environment.
Well-considered evaluation of product
success against design brief
requirements.
Well-considered and detailed
evaluation of the effectiveness of the
product or system realisation process.
Capable use of resources,
equipment, and materials to
create a product or system
safely and mostly accurately.
Well-considered reflection on
materials, ideas and procedures, with
thoughtful recommendations.
Thoughtful testing,
modification, and
validation of ideas or
procedures.
Thoughtful development of
solutions to technical problems
that may arise during product or
system realisation.
Well-informed analysis of the impact
of the product or system on
individuals, society, and/or the
environment.
Analysis of information
to develop appropriate
solutions to an identified
design brief.
Competent application of skills,
processes, procedures, and
techniques to create a product
or system to an appropriate
standard and specification.
Considered evaluation of product
success against design brief
requirements.
Competent
communication of
product design ideas
using appropriate
technical language.
Competent use of resources,
equipment, and materials to
create a product or system
safely and generally accurately.
Competent testing,
modification, and
validation of ideas or
procedures.
Development of appropriate
solutions to technical problems
that may arise during product or
system realisation.
Some identification of
information to attempt
basic solutions to an
identified design brief.
Partial application of skills,
processes, procedures, and
techniques to make one or more
articles to a limited standard and
specification.
Basic communication of
some product design
ideas with some use of
appropriate technical
language.
Partial testing and some
modification of ideas or
procedures.
Some use of basic resources,
equipment, or materials to
create a product or system, with
some consideration of safety
aspects.
Considered evaluation of the
effectiveness of the product or system
realisation process.
Considered reflection on materials,
ideas and procedures, with
appropriate recommendations.
Informed analysis of the impact of the
product or system on individuals,
society, and/or the environment.
Description of product progress, with
elements of basic testing against
design brief requirements.
Some description of the effectiveness
of the product or system realisation
process.
Superficial reflection on or description
of materials, ideas or procedures,
with basic recommendations.
Partial development of some
basic solutions to technical
problems that may arise during
product or system realisation.
Some consideration of the impact of
the product on individuals, society, or
the environment.
Attempted application of one or
more skills, to follow an
appropriate process, procedure,
or technique.
Identification of some product
progress, with limited testing.
Creation of a very basic initial design brief, with
support.
Attempted identification
of some information to
develop limited
solutions to an identified
design brief.
Statement of one or more characteristics of an
existing product, process, system, or production
technique.
Limited communication
of one or more product
design ideas.
Attempted use of resources,
equipment, or materials, with
emerging awareness of safety
issues.
Limited description of one or more product material
options.
Some attempt at testing
and limited modification
of an idea or procedure.
Some attempted description of
problems that may arise during
product or system realisation.
Identification of one impact of a product or system
on individuals, society, or the environment.
Insightful and detailed evaluation of
the effectiveness of the product or
system realisation process.
Identification of some aspects of the
effectiveness of the product or system
realisation process.
Identification rather than description
of materials, ideas or procedures,
with one or more recommendations.
Emerging recognition of one or more
of the impacts of the product on
individuals, society, or the
environment.