Smart Materials

• A material that will react to a change in the environment
• Thermochromic pigments 


  Change when stimulated by heat

  Colour change when heated/cooled

  Used in thermometers
• Photochromic pigments


  Change when stimulated by light

  Changes when exposed to UV light

  used in clothing, light changing paints
• Shape memory alloys


  Change when stimulated by heat/electricity

  Can be heated then deformed

  Return to original shape when heated
• PCL


  Changes when stimulated by heat

  Fully biodegradable

  Easily moulded by hand and remoulded by hot water
• QTC


  Change when stimulated by pressure

  Free flowing at rest but conductor when stimulated by pressure

  Used in touch-sensitive mobile screens
• Litmus paper


  Changes in colour when stimulated by a pH level

  Turns red in acid and blue in alkaline

  used in scientific experiments