Modern and Smart Materials

• Shape-memory alloys are alloys that return to their original shape once heated.
• Nanomaterials can alter the properties of fabric, for example adding a stain-resistant finish. They have also developed conductive fibres and e-textiles so the fabric can react with the user.
• Reactive glass changes from transparent to opaque in light using an LDR. Smart glass does similar but with a switch.
• Piezoelectric material creates an electric charge when compressed or exposed to pressure. Used in lighters and sonar / sound detection.
• Photochromatic pigments or dyes change colour in response to light. Thermochromic pigments or dyes change colour in response to heat.
• Conductive inks contain conductive particles that are used to hand-draw or digitally print circuits that are fully functional.
• Carbon fibre reinforced polymer is a composite of woven carbon fibre strands with polymer resin.
• Carbon fibre strands have a high tensile strength and the resin is lightweight and rigid. Used in sports equipment.
• Glass reinforced plastic is a composite of glass fibres and a polyester resin. It is rigid, tough and lightweight, but difficult to recycle.
• Technical textiles are made with specific characteristics for a specific purpose. They can be woven or bonded, synthetic or natural.
• Agro-textiles used in crop protection to stop weeds or for moisture control.
• Construction textiles is netting used on scaffolding to protect people from falling debris, or lining for pools and ponds.
• Geotextiles are permeable fabrics are used to improve the drainage of water and help prevent coastal erosion.
• Domestic textiles are used in padding in furniture and cleaning cloths.
• Microfibres are used to clean clothes are they attract dust very well.
• Gore-Tex is a waterproof, breathable fabric with a hydrophilic membrane in the middle to let warm air and small molecules out, but no raindrops in. Used in high performance clothing and footwear.
• Aramid fibres are very strong and heat resistant. Used in firefighter suits and bullet proof vests.
• Kevlar is a lightweight, flexible, extremely durable, heat resistant, and strong material. Used in protective clothing, where the fibre is woven in a lattice to protect against knife attacks.
• Nomex is an extremely strong synthetic fabric that can withstand exposure in extreme conditions. Used in firefighters uniforms.
• Micro-encapsulation is a process of applying microscopic capsules to fibres and fabrics. The capsules can contain vitamins, therapeutic oils, moisturisers, antiseptics and antibacterial chemicals released through friction.
• Rhovyl is a non-flammable, synthetic fibre that is crease resistant, has good thermal properties, is antibacterial and comfortable. It does not retain odour meaning it is used for socks and sportswear.