5.1-5.4 Systems: sources, origins, properties, selection, impact of forces GapFill

The components that make up an electronic system are made from many different materials.

Polymers are a widely used material in electronic systems. Many polymers are made from crude oil, which is sourced from  Russia, Saudi Arabia and the USChina, Japan and AustraliaGermany, France and SpainBrazil, Egypt and India. 

An example of a polymer is  woolsteelpinesilicon chips, which are semi-conductors, meaning they conduct electricity at times. This material can be sourced from  China, Russia and the USAGermany, France and SpainRussia, Saudi Arabia and the USLondon, Paris and Vienna.    

Another material that is used in electronic systems because of its electrical conductive properties is  paperceramicporcelaincopper. This material is easy to bend and so is often used as wires. This material can be sourced from  Russia, Saudi Arabia and the USChile, China and PeruGermany, France and SpainChina, Russia and the USA.

Insulator materials are also used in electrical systems and include  steelrubbercopperiron, paper, glass, wood, cotton, porcelain, ceramic and plastic.

Some components used in electronic systems can be difficult to source, and are therefore very expensive. For example,   tantalumAluminiumcobaltNickel is used in an electric component called a capacitor, which is found in mobile phones and laptops. This material can be sourced from  South America and Indiathe USA and UKFrance and SpainAustralia and Central Africa.