development in new materials

• modern material

  a recently developed material that can perform more efficiently for specific applications than existing standard options
• composite material

  a material made from 2 or more other materials to take advantage of the properties of both
• smart material

  a material that changes its properties in reaction to an external stimulant like heat or light
• technical textiles


  textile materials that have special qualities depending on their structure
• thermochromic

  a material/pigment that reacts to heat
• photochromic

  a material/pigment that reacts to light
• Shape memory alloy(SMA)

  a metal based material that returns to a set shape when it reaches a certain temperature
• Nanotechnology

  changing materials on an atomic level to modify their properties
• Nanomaterial

  a material made from very small components to provide properties like being self cleaning or antibacterial
• glass reinforced plastic (GRP)

  a composite made from strands of glass and polymer resin typically used for boat hulls and car bodies
• Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)

  a polymer strengthened with strands of carbon. Strong and light weight typically used for skis
• Kevlar

  a technical fabric stronger than steel. often used for protective clothing or combat gear
• microfibre

  a manufactures strand 60 times finer than human hair, soft thin strong fine and drapable, used in filters, apparel, cleaning products and upholstery
• microencapsulation

  small "bubbles" of substance/scent fixed into fabric that break with time or use to avoid odours
• Tungsten carbide

  a malleable composite that is light weight vibration dampening and rigid. used for soundproofing and signage
• concrete

  a composite that is strong under compression easy to mould and has low tensile strength used for building work like foundations and paths
• engineered wood

  timber laminates and adhesive that is fire proof lightweight c and corrosion proof used for beams floors bridges etc
• polymorphs

  have low melting points at 50 degrees Celsius and can be moulded
• phosphorescent pigments

  absorbs light in the day and reemits it at night used in exit signs night lights and other glow in the dark products
• electroluminescent wire

  thin copper wire coated with phosphorescent material which glows in response to AC, used in lights and decoration
• piezoelectric material

  gives off small electrical charge when deformed increasing the current. used in lighters sensors and musical greetings cards
• precious metal clay (PMC)

  material with a clay consistency composed of fine metal particles and hardens in a kiln. used in jewellery and sculpting
• Styrofoam and HDMF

  polyurethane closed cell foam in blocks/bricks, lightweight and easy to sand/sculpt used in prototypes and modelling
• fire resistant fabrics

  fabrics more resistant to fire via chemical processes, durable and has a low melting point, used in workwear motorracing clothe and fire fighter suits