1.11 Smart Materials Flashcards
Describe smart materials
Materials whose physical properties change in response to an input or change in the environment, such as electricity, pressure, temperature or light.
How does SMAs work?
Changes shape in a response to a change in temperature or electrical input
State two uses of SMAs
Dental braces
Self-closing windows
Aeroplane wing flaps
Bioengineering, such as stents, bone plates, screws
How does thermochromic pigment work?
Changes colour in response to temperature
State three uses of thermochromic pigment
Room thermometers
Medical thermometers, for children
Bath water thermometers
Colour change mugs and kettles
Food packaging
Baby feeding spoons
Battery charge indicator strips
How does phosphorescent pigment work?
Absorb light energy during the day and ‘re-emits’ the light energy when it is dark
State two uses of phosphorescent pigment
Fire exits signs
‘Glow in the dark’ products, such as adhesive stars, masks, night lights, and watch bands
How does photochromic pigment work?
Changes colour with light intensity
State two uses of photochromic pigment
Welding goggles
Reactive spectacle lenses
Security marker that shows up under UV light
How does electroluminescent wire work?
Thin copper wire coated in a phosphorescent material that glows in response to an alternating current
State two uses electroluminescent wire
Glow bracelets
Interweaving for clothing
Home decoration
Outdoor decoration lighting
How does piezoelectric material work?
Gives off a small electrical charge when deformed
Increase in size (up to 4%) when an electrical current passed through it
State two uses piezoelectric material
Airbag sensors in cars
Vibration damping in tennis racquets
Lighters for barbecues
Musical greeting cards
Pressure sensors
