Semimetals/metalloids are elements with properties intermediate between metallic and nonmetallic. Like metals, metalloids have a shiny surface in the solid state and a high melting point. Due to the higher electrical and thermal conductivity of metalloids than nonmetals, they are used in semiconductor materials. These include: antimony, arsenic, bismuth, boron, germanium, silicon, tellurium and selenium. They sometimes also include aluminium and astatine, and in some literature you can also find mentions of phosphorus (mainly the black allotropic variety with physical properties resembling metal).

The aim of the project was to develop and implement a modern teaching station for transferring knowledge in the field of mineralogy to the extent required in the production and application of semimetals/metalloids. In addition to the advantages of direct contact between the student and the mineralogical material under discussion, this station will be equipped with modern IT tools that significantly enhance its functionality with augmented reality. The station has the form of a display case with individual semimetals/metalloids and their minerals as exhibits. In addition, on the following pages:

for the Polish version:

https://pblzelazostopy.polsl.pl/pbl2024niemetale/pl/index.html

for the English version:

https://pblzelazostopy.polsl.pl/pbl2024niemetale/eng/index.html

you can learn more about selected minerals and semimetals/metalloids.

Made as part of the PBL project "Interactive stand for identifying selected semimetals/metalloids and their minerals in augmented reality".

Performed by:

• Radosław Gęgotek
• Krzysztof Szklarczyk
• Hanna Łysik
• Stella Bożek
• Wiktoria Korczyk
• Szymon Saternus – student of PZS Lędziny (the school has a signed cooperation agreement with the Silesian University of Technology – Faculty of Materials Engineering)

Supervisors:

• dr hab. inż. Mariola Saternus
• dr hab. inż. Tomasz Merder, prof. PŚ
• dr hab. inż. Jacek Pieprzyca, prof. PŚ

The project was supported by students and PhD students from VSTE Ceskie Budejovice, Czech Republic under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Ing. Ladislav Socha, MBA, PhD.