smart/modern materials

• What are smart materials developed through?

  New or improved processes due to human intervention
• How can the properties of smart materials be changed?

  By exposure to stimuli like electric fields, stress, moisture, and temperature
• What happens to some smart materials when environmental conditions change?

  They can return to their original state
• What are nanomaterials?

  • Tiny components used as coatings or thin films
  • Enhance application or health and safety of products
  • Examples: fire retardant coatings, carbon nanotubes
• What is required for health and safety when using nanomaterials?

  Specialized risk assessments
• What are some applications of nanomaterials in fabrics?

  • Silver nanoparticles reduce odor
  • Water and stain resistant nanoparticles
  • Nano pores for insulation against heat or chill
• How does incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) affect a bicycle?

  It makes the bicycle lighter and stronger
• What are some examples of nanomaterials?

  • Nanotubes
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Silica
  • Graphene
  • Nanofibers
  • Carbon black
• What is reactive glass and how does it function?

  It darkens quickly in bright light and can change from transparent to opaque
• What are the uses of reactive glass?

  Office privacy, windows, and welding masks
• What is photochromic glass and how does it react to light?

  It darkens on exposure to UV light and returns to clear in absence of light
• What is a common use for photochromic lenses?

  Sports glasses and sunglasses
• What is shape memory alloy (SMA) and its key feature?

  SMA can return to a pre-set shape when heated
• What is Nitinol?

  An SMA made of nickel and titanium
• What temperature is required to set Nitinol into shape?

  Approximately 540°C
• What happens to Nitinol when reheated to around 70°C?

  It returns to its pre-set shape
• What are some uses of shape memory alloys?

  Greenhouse window openers, tweezers, hooks, and orthodontic wires
• What are temperature responsive polymers used for?

  They change physical properties stimulated by temperature
• What is a common application for temperature responsive polymers?

  Delivering drugs in a controlled way
• What do thermochromic pigments do?

  They change color in response to hot and cold temperatures
• What are some uses of thermochromic pigments?

  • Fever scan strips for infants
  • Room thermometers
  • Children's cutlery and crockery
  • Novelty goods and color changing clothing
• What is Polymorph and CoolmorphTM?

  Low temperature, hand-mouldable polymers
• At what temperature does Polymorph fuse?

  62°C
• At what temperature does CoolmorphTM bond together?

  42°C
• What are the characteristics of Polymorph and CoolmorphTM?

  Biodegradable, non-toxic, and can be colored
• What happens to Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) when heated?

  It changes from a liquid to a solid
• What is the significance of PNIPAM's transformation temperature?

  It is near the temperature of the human body
• What are some applications of PNIPAM?

  Drug delivery, tissue engineering, and advanced gels
• How do piezoelectric materials function?

  They produce electricity when subjected to movement or stress
• What are the uses of piezoelectric materials?

  Sensors and actuators in various devices
• What is a piezo transducer?

  A device that vibrates when an electrical signal is sent through it
• What are conductive inks made from?

  Pigments that allow a small current to pass through
• What is a common use for conductive inks?

  Fixing or improvising circuits