Smart Materials

Created by

Shana

Cards (17)

What is a smart material
smart materials are materials that react to changes in their environment and once the stimulus is removed, the material returns to its originals state
Examples of smart materials
Shape memory alloys
Quantum tunnelling composite
polymorph
photochromic pigement
thermochromic pigment
micro encapsulation
biomimetrics
Electroluminesecent
Electroluminescent material 
materials that provide light when exposed to current
Electroluminescent wire 
A thin copper wire coated in a phosphor which glows when an alternating current is applied to it.
Photochromic pigment 
a pigment or dye that changes colour in response in a change of light
Example of photochromic pigment 
an example is sunglasses that can change colour in response to UV radiation
Thermochromic pigment 
a smart material which changes colour in response in a change in heat
Quantum Tunnelling Composite 
a flexible polymers that contain conductive nickel particles that can be either a conductor of electrcity or an insulator
when force is applied to the particles it leads to increase in conductivity and when it is removed it becomes an insulator
Shape memory alloys 
when these alloys are deformed when they are heated, they return to their original shape
Shape memory alloys uses
Medical fastenings use in bone fractures to join two bones back together
Polymorph 
a thermoforming polymer is supplied in granular form
when heated in water to 62 degrees celcius it softens and forms a pliable volume of material
it can then be molded and shaped and solidifies when cooled
if reheated in water it becomes pliable again
Micro-encapsulation 
process of applying micropscopic capsules to fibres fabrics paper and card
the capsules can contain vitamins,therapeutic oils , moisturisers,antiseptics and anti-bacterial chemicals which are relased through fricton
Biomimetics 
biommicry is when inspiration from new materials, structure or products come from the natural world
Example of biomimicry 
Fastskin developed by speedo, mimics the shark sandpaper like skin which reduces drag in water.It enhances peformance in swim wear
Explain why electroluminescent films are beginning to replace traditional LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display) screens in products such as calculators. 
Electroluminsecent films are replace LCd displays because they are flexible and do not generate heat.
Using an example of a named fabric, describe the basic principles of biomimicry.
Biomimicry is where inspiration is taken from the natural environment to create new materials .An example is Fast skin which mimics the aerodynamics of shark skin.
Explain how electroluminescent films work
A light emitting phosphor is sandiwched between a pair of conductive electrodes subjected to an ac current to create light.
The brightness of the material depends on the voltage applied