SMART MATERIALS, COMPOSITES AND TECHNICAL TEXTILES

• What happens to nickel particles when force is applied?

  They make contact and increase conductivity
• What occurs when the force is removed from the nickel particles?

  They return to their original state
• What is a shape memory alloy (SMA)?

  It returns to its original shape when heated
• What is Nitinol made from?

  Titanium and nickel
• What are possible uses of shape memory alloys?

  Medical applications like bone fastenings
• What is Polymorph and its properties?

  • Thermoforming polymer in granular form
  • Softens at 62°C in water
  • Mouldable and shapeable when heated
  • Solidifies on cooling
  • Reheatable for reuse
• What is the temperature at which Polymorph softens?

  62°C
• How does Polymorph behave when reheated?

  It becomes pliable again
• What is a common use for Polymorph?

  Model making and prototyping
• What do photochromic pigments do?

  Change colour in response to light
• What do thermochromic pigments do?

  Change colour in response to heat
• How can thermochromic dyes be used in baby bottles?

  To indicate the temperature of milk
• What is micro-encapsulation and its applications?

  • Process of applying microscopic capsules
  • Used on fibres, fabrics, paper, and card
  • Capsules can contain vitamins, oils, and antiseptics
  • Released through friction
• What is biomimicry?

  Inspiration from the natural world
• What are composites and their components?

  • Created by joining two or more materials
  • One material is the matrix
  • The other is the reinforcement
• What does CFRP stand for?

  Carbon-fibre reinforced polymer
• What is the composition of CFRP?

  Woven carbon fibre strands in polymer resin
• Why is CFRP used in sports equipment?

  For its strength-to-weight ratio
• What is Kevlar known for?

  Lightweight and extremely durable
• Where is Kevlar commonly used?

  In protective clothing like body armour
• What does GRP stand for?

  Glass reinforced plastic
• What are the components of GRP?

  Glass fibres and polyester resin
• Why is GRP difficult to recycle?

  Combining glass and resin cannot be reversed
• What are technical textiles?

  Engineered with specific performance characteristics
• What are interactive textiles?

  Fabrics with embedded electronic devices
• What are microfibres?

  Extremely fine synthetic fibres
• What is a property of microfibres?

  Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• Where are microfibres used?

  In clothing and cleaning cloths
• What are phase-changing materials (PCMs)?

  Materials that absorb and release heat
• What is the function of Gore-Tex®?

  Regulates body temperature and moisture
• How does Gore-Tex® work?

  Allows moisture to escape but blocks rain
• What is Nomex® used for?

  In clothing for heat and flame resistance
• What are geotextiles?

  Permeable fabrics used with soil
• Where are geotextiles commonly used?

  In civil engineering and construction
• What is Rhovyl® known for?

  Non-flammable and crease resistant
• What is a key property of Rhovyl®?

  Wicks away moisture effectively
• What are electronic systems used for?

  To provide functionality to products
• What are subsystems in electronic systems?

  Classified as inputs, processes, or outputs
• What does a system diagram show?

  How subsystems are connected
• What types of signals can electronic systems use?

  Digital or analogue signals