Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology key terms

A dull surface layer formed by reactions between a metal, such as silver or copper, and its surroundings.

Information giving a product’s dimensions, materials, ratings or performance, including any conditions under which the values apply.

A textile material or product manufactured primarily for its technical function and performance rather than its decorative appearance.

A climate with generally moderate temperatures and seasonal changes, rather than consistently tropical heat or extreme cold.

A polymer designed to change a property in response to temperature; a shape-memory polymer can recover a programmed shape when heated.

Reheating quenched metal under controlled conditions to improve toughness.

A shaped guide drawn around to transfer the same outline repeatedly onto material.

A connection designed to be taken apart without damaging the joined components.

A projecting section at the end of a timber component that fits into a mortise.

A material’s ability to resist breaking when subjected to pulling forces.

Loading that pulls a material apart, tending to lengthen it.

A range of solvent-based adhesives for joining compatible thermoplastics; Tensol 12 is commonly used for acrylic.

A pattern of flat shapes that covers a surface without gaps or overlaps.

Modelling part of a design to find out whether it works as intended.

A flexible material made from a network of fibres or yarns.

A treatment applied to a textile to improve its appearance, feel or performance.

The surface character of a material: how it appears and how it feels when touched.

How readily a material transfers heat through itself.

A material that transfers energy readily by heating through conduction.

The ability of a material to reduce heat transfer, helping to retain warmth.

A material that slows energy transfer by heating through conduction.

A resistor whose resistance changes with temperature. In a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, resistance decreases as temperature rises.

A material that changes colour in response to a change in temperature.

A pigment that changes colour in response to a change in temperature.

A polymer that softens when heated and can be reshaped repeatedly; also called a thermoplastic.

A material that softens when heated and becomes firm again when cooled.

A polymer that forms a permanently set structure during curing and cannot subsequently be melted and reshaped.