1.2.2 Smart Materials

Shape-memory alloys... select 2

• Can be plastically deformed, and returned to original shape with heat

• Can be plastically deformed, and returned to original shape with a current

• Contains pigments that allow small currents to flow through

• Generates a small electric charge when compressed

• Uses electrochromatic technology to change transparent to opaque

These materials react and change with a physical change in their environment e.g. heat, light, electrical current.

• Smart Materials
• Modern materials
• Nano materials
• New Materials

Smart materials: I am a smart material that is easily bent when cool but jump back into shape when heated above a certain temperature eg. nitinol

• Shape memory Alloys

• Nano Materials

• Ceramics

• Cornstarch polymers

Smart materials: Respond to changes in temperature by changing colour, t-shirts, mugs and temperature strips

• Nanomaterials

• Thermochromic materials

• Integrated electronics

Smart materials: Glow in the dark, absorbs light during the day and emits it when dark E.G Fire exit signs

• Photochromic Materials

• Thermochromic Materials

• Phosphorescent pigments

• Holograms

Smart materials: They change colour depending on the amount of light hitting the surface. By far the most common use of this is in light-sensitive glasses, such as sunglasses.

• Reflective Films

• Phosphorescent pigments

• Holograms

• Photochromic Materials

Smart materials: A thermochromic substance ...

• Changes colour when the light intensity changes.

• Changes colour when the temperature changes.

• Absorbs up to 1000 x its volume in water.

• Returns to its original shape when heated.

Smart materials: A photochromic substance ...

• Changes colour when the light intensity changes.

• Changes colour when the temperature changes.

• Absorbs up to 1000 x its volume in water.

• Returns to its original shape when heated.

Smart materials: A shape memory alloy is...

• Metal

• Plastic

• None of the above

• Both

Smart materials: A shape memory alloy is used in ...

• Nappies

• Gumshields / mouthguards

• Glasses frames

• Transition glasses lenses