1.2 Performance Characteristics of Materials Flashcards
1
Q
layout paper
A
-thin
-translucent
-smooth surface
USES: sketching, tracing, technical drawing
2
Q
cartridge paper
A
-off-white
-slightly textured surface
USES: sketching, rendering in pencil, ink & pastel
3
Q
tracing paper
A
-translucent
-slightly thicker than layout
USES: copying images when sketching
4
Q
bleed-proof paper
A
-similar to cartridge paper but bleed-proof so colours do not run
USES: spirit-based marker rendering
5
Q
treated paper
A
-plain paper
-w/ clear binder/dye layer applied to help hold image on surface
USES: photographic printing
6
Q
watercolour paper
A
-available in absorbent, smooth, hot-pressed or cold-pressed
USES: watercolour painting
7
Q
corrugated card
A
-carton board outer layers
-corrugated middle layer
-ability to protect against impact
-(also good insulator)
USES: protective packaging, model making, prototyping
8
Q
bleached card
A
-chemically treated to brighten surface to make suitable for high-quality printing
USES: greetings cards, high-quality packaging
9
Q
mount board
A
-compressed cotton fibres
-rigid board
USES: presenting artwork, modelling, picture mounting
10
Q
duplex card
A
-2 layers of paper
-exterior coated to make more water resistant
-gives glossy sheen and waxy feel
USES: food packaging (eg juice), disposable cups/plates
11
Q
foil backed and laminated card
A
-card w/ polymer film/foil applied
-provides water resistant and/or heat insulating layer
USES: drinks packaging, milk cartons, take-away box lids
12
Q
metal effect card
A
-high quality card w/ thin metal layer on outer surface
-enhanced aesthetics
-can be embossed
USES: gift boxes & packaging, business cards
13
Q
moulded paper pulp
A
-recycled paper pulp moulded when wet
-dries to specific shape
-smooth on visible inside surface, rough on outer surface
USES: eco-friendly packaging, egg boxes, fruit packaging
14
Q
foam board
A
- two outer layers of card with a foam core
-good impact resistance
-lightweight
-rigid
-flammable
USES: modelling, presentation boards
15
Q
fluted PP sheet
A
-extruded sheet w/ corrugations
-lightweight
-not easy to bend against flute, but easy along flutes
-cheap
-UV degradation, flammable
USES: signs, storage box, portfolio cases
16
Q
translucent PP sheet
A
-extremely tough
-virtually impossible to tear
-can be scored & bent to form hinge
-UV degradation, flammable
USES: packaging, folders
17
Q
styrofoam
A
-dense closed-cell foam
-often blue
-can be cut, shaped & sanded with standard workshop tools
-variety of densities
-lightweight
-not biodegradable
-not cost effective to recycle
USES: modelling, formers for moulding & laminating
18
Q
LDPE sheet
A
-very thin, transparent
-tough
-chemical resistance
-flexible
-flammable, not biodegradable, incineration releases harmful gases
USES: food wrapping, bubble wrap, carrier bags
19
Q
plastazote foam
A
-closed cell polyethylene foam
-tough
-flexible
-impact resistance
-impermeable to liquids
-expensive
-difficult to sand, contracts w/ heat
USES: swimming floats, pipe insulation, props
20
Q
cellulose acetate
A
-transparent
-glossy
-cellulose is a renewable resource
-biodegradable
-absorbs moisture
-flammable
USES: cosmetics cases, glasses frames, packaging
21
Q
polyactide (PLA)
A
-biodegradable
-low melting point
-renewable materials
-expensive
-not very hard or tough
USES: medical implants, disposable cutlery, sports wear
22
Q
softwood
A
-coniferous trees
> do NOT lose leaves
> fast growing
-cheaper
23
Q
hardwood
A
-deciduous trees
> lose leaves
> slow growing
-expensive
24
Q
oak
A
HARDWOOD -hard & tough -attractive grain -weather resistant -durable -very heavy -contains tannic acid (corrodes steel fixings) -veneers difficult to protect USES: furniture, flooring, wall coverings
25
ash
```
HARDWOOD
-strong, hard & tough
-high elasticity
-low density
-good shock absorption
-not weather resistant
-not suitable for polishing
USES: tool handles, ladders
```
26
mahogany
HARDWOOD
-v hard
-v attractive (& expensive)
-water & decay resistant
-interlocking grain (+ hardness) = difficult to work with
USES: indoor furniture, musical instruments
27
teak
```
HARDWOOD
- strong, hard & tough
-natural oils resist water, acids & alkalis
-durable
-easy to work with
-difficult to glue (natural oils)
-expensive
-blunts tools
USES: outdoor furniture, laboratory benches
```
28
birch
```
HARDWOOD
- hard
-resists warping
-attractive
-resistant to decay
-stains & polishes well
-can crack in dry conditions
USES: indoor panelling, veneers
```
29
beech
```
HARDWOOD
-tough & hard
-does not impart taste to food
-steamed (white), un-steamed (pink)
-polishes well
-odourless
-not suitable for outdoor use (absorbs moisture)
-heavy
USES: chopping boards, tools (mallets)
```
30
pine
```
SOFTWOOD
- lightweight
-cheap
-good elasticity
-attractive
-knotty so difficult to work with
-susceptible to swelling/shrinking
-not weatherproof
USES: roof beams, interior joinery
```
31
spruce
```
SOFTWOOD
- strong & durable
- resistant to splitting
- inexpensive
-lightweight
-prone to disease & insect infestations
-not weather resistant
USES: indoor furniture, contruction
```
32
Douglas fir
SOFTWOOD
- stable
-good resistance to corrosion & rot
-cheap
-durable, strong & tough
- not very attractive (lacks distinctive grain)
USES: plywood construction, joinery & construction work
33
larch
SOFTWOOD
- hard & tough
-attractive (fades to silver when exposed outdoors)
- slower growing & more expensive than other softwoods
- durable
- decay & fire resistant
- heavy
- high resin content (difficult to work with)
USES: decking, garden furniture
34
cedar
```
SOFTWOOD
- can corrode ferrous metals (acidic)
- low density
- good sound dampening
- resistant to moisture
- durable
-attractive
- natural insect repellent
- nice aroma
-decay resistant
-expensive
-soft
USES: exterior cladding, beehives
```
35
plywood
```
MANUFACTURED BOARD
- thin layers of wood placed & glued at 90 deg to each other
-compressed to form board (laminated)
- always odd no. of layers
- strong in all directions
-chemical resistance
-strong & durable
- lightweight
-can be made to whatever size
-edges must be finished
- susceptible to water damage
-glue is carcinogenic
USES: indoor furniture, structural work
```
36
marine plywood
```
MANUFACTURED BOARD
- similar to plywood by gap & void free
- uses water & boil proof glue (gives resistance to moisture)
- some higher quality also resistant to fungal attack
-smooth
-impact resistant
-whatever size
-strong & durable
-edges need to be finished
USES: boat dashboards & panelling
```
37
aeroply
```
MANUFACTURED BOARD
- plywood made from high quality timbre
- v thin sheets
- light, easy to bend around support frame
-strong
-cheap
-whatever size
-durable, pliable, flexible
- difficult to cut
-susceptible to water damage
USES: gliders, jewellery
```
38
flexible plywood
```
MANUFACTURED BOARD
- odd number of layers
-2 outer layers made from open grained timber- allows flex
-bent & glued around former to achieve solid shape
-cheap
-whatever size
-susceptible to water damage
-carcinogenic glue
USES: laminated furniture, curved panels
```
39
chipboard
MANUFACTURED BOARD
-wood chips compressed with a resin (eg urea formaldehyde
-cheap
-environmentally friendly (uses recycled wood)
-light, hard
-not water resistant
-can be toxic- resin breaks down
-unattractive
USES: kitchen worktops, shelving & flatpack
40
MDF
| medium density fibreboard
```
MANUFACTURED BOARD
-compressed wood fibres, sometimes urea formaldehyde resin is added
-2 smooth faces
-stiff
-cheaper than ply
-consistent strength
-environmentally friendly (recycled wood)
-easy to cut (no grain)
-whatever size
-weak
-absorbs water
-resin is carcinogenic
-doesn't hold screw well
USES: model/mould making, furniture
```
41
rough sawn
- direct from seasoning
- rough surfaces
- nominal sizes instead of accurate
42
PSE
| planed square edge
- only one edge is planed accurately
- the rest are rough sawn
- removed approx 3mm from original nominal size
43
PAR
| planed all round
- sides and edges are all planed square
- smooth finish
- ready to use
- approx 3mm smaller all round than nominal size
44
veneer
-decorative covering of fine wood (less than 3mm thick) applied to coarser wood/other material
45
MF laminates
- thin sheets of MF polymer
- hard, tough, chemical resistant
- decorative covering for chipboard for kitchen worktops etc
46
copper ore = ?
chalcopyrite
47
aluminium ore = ?
bauxite
48
tin ore = ?
cassiterite
49
zinc ore = ?
zinc blende
50
pure iron
```
FERROUS
0% carbon
-very soft, can be bent without heating
-malleable, ductile
-magnetic
-easy to shape
-inexpensive
-rusts
USES: wrought iron, used to make alloys/steel
```
51
low carbon steel
```
FERROUS- 0.1 - 0.3% carbon
-soft
-malleable, ductile
-high tensile strength
-tough
-poor resistance to corrosion
-easy to weld w/o changing properties
-can bend without breaking
-rusts
-easily scratched, not very strong
USES: cans, car body, nuts & bolts etc
```
52
medium carbon steel
```
FERROUS- 0.35 - 0.5% carbon
- harder than low carbon
- less ductile than low carbon
- malleable
- tough
- not as brittle as high carbon
- rusts
USES: springs, gardening tools
```
53
high carbon steel
```
FERROUS- 0.5 - 1.5% carbon
- very strong & hard
- stays sharp
- resistant to wear
- can cut low carbon
- can chip
- rusts
- difficult to bend w/o breaking
USES: knives, chains, cutting tools, masonry nails
```
54
cast iron
```
FERROUS- 2.5 - 4% carbon
- very brittle
- low tensile strength
- hard outer skin
- good compressive strength
- doesn't rust (contains silicon)
- doesn't soften/distort in hot weather
-doesn't need to be painted
- poor impact resistance
- very heavy
USES: disc brakes, machine parts engine blocks, street furniture (bollards etc)
```
55
stainless steel
```
FERROUS ALLOY
- contains chrome & nickel
- tough & hard
- corrosion resistant
- difficult to weld
- expensive
- can be scratched
USES: cutlery & kitchenware, sinks
```
56
high speed steel
| HSS
FERROUS ALLOY
- contains tungsten, chromium, vanadium, carbon
- hard & tough
- high level of resistance to frictional heat
USES: tool blades, drill bits, milling cutters, router bits
57
die steel
| tool steel
FERROUS ALLOY
- hard
- tough
USES: blanking punches & dies, extruder dies, fine press tools
58
molybdenum in steel- uses?
- protects from salt water (which causes chloride cracking)
- used on boats/yachts
- provides elasticity & tensile strength
- used in recumbent bikes
59
aluminium
```
NON-FERROUS
- malleable & ductile
- good thermal & electrical conductivity
- corrosion resistant
-lightweight
- does not become brittle when exposed to low temps
-recyclable
-tough
-expensive
- needs special processes to weld
USES: aeroplane parts, cans, foil, window frames
```
60
copper
```
NON-FERROUS
- highly ductile
- very good electrical & thermal conductivity
- antimicrobial properties
- attractive
- expensive
- oxidises quickly (turns green)
USES: wires & electronics, kitchen pans
```
61
zinc
```
NON-FERROUS
- malleable when heated
- moderate conductivity
- heavy
- corrosion resistant (layer of zinc carbonate on surface)
- scratches disappear over time
- attractive
- brittle
- weak
- low toughness
USES: roofing, hot dip galvanising, alloys
```
62
silver
```
NON-FERROUS
- ductile, malleable
- excellent conductor of heat & electricity
- high density
- antimicrobial properties
- corrosion & oxidation resistant
- attractive (lustrous)
- expensive
- soft (scratches easily)
USES: chemical catalyst, medical scrubs etc, jewellery
```
63
gold
```
NON-FERROUS
- soft (scratches easily)
- ductile & malleable (intricate shapes)
- inert (unreactive)
- good thermal & electrical conductor
- does not tarnish
- very attractive
USES: jewellery, dental work (eg fillings), electronics
```
64
titanium
```
NON-FERROUS
- very ductile
- high tensile strength (very strong)
- low electrical & thermal conductivity
- high melting point
- low density (lightweight)
- corrosion resistant
- expensive
- high chemical reactivity
USES: joint replacement, aircraft & spacecraft, bikes, laptops, alloys
```
65
tin
```
NON-FERROUS
- lightweight (low density)
- malleable & ductile
- resists corrosion
- cheap
- soft
- low electrical conductivity
- weak
USES: alloys, foil, solders
```
66
bronze
```
NON-FERROUS ALLOY
- copper & tin
- highly ductile
- good conductor
- resists corrosion
- attractive
- antimicrobial
- brittle & weak
- soft
- expensive
USES: bearings, sculpture, musical instruments
```
67
duralumin
```
NON-FERROUS ALLOY
- aluminium, copper, magnesium & manganese
- hard
- malleable & ductile
- good conductor
- lightweight
- resists corrosion
- strong
- more vulnerable to corrosion (copper oxidises)
USES: aircraft, vehicles
```
68
brass
```
NON-FERROUS ALLOY
- copper & zinc
- good conductivity
- low melting point
- malleable & ductile
- casts well
- cheap
- resists corrosion
- antibacterial properties
- prone to tarnishing
- soft (scratches easily)
USES: boat fittings, ornaments, cast valves & taps
```
69
pewter
```
NON-FERROUS ALLOY
- mostly tin with copper & antimony
- malleable
- low melting point
- casts well
- cheap
- does not tarnish easily
- soft
- few practical uses (most decorative)
USES: tankards, flasks, goblets, candlesticks, trophies
```
70
advantages of alloys over pure metals?
- less expensive (uses small amounts of pure metals)
- properties can be manipulated (eg add more copper to increase conductivity)
- usually stronger (atomic structure > more difficult for different sized atoms to slide past each other)
71
structure of polymers?
many chains of monomers linked together by
> weak intermolecular bonds (van de Waals)- THERMOPLASTICS
> covalent bonds (cross-links)- THERMOSETTING
72
difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting?
THERMOPLASTICS
> can be melted & reshaped again and again- recyclable
THERMOSETTING PLASTICS
> cannot be reheated & reshaped- molecules for cross-links- non-recyclable
73
LDPE
| low density polyethylene
```
THERMOPLASTIC
- very tough
- good chemical resistance
- weatherproof
- low rigidity
- some non-recyclable
- not as resistant to UV as HDPE
USES: squeeze detergent bottles, toys, carrier bags, food wrap film, packaging
```
74
HDPE
| high density polyethylene
```
THERMOPLASTIC
- weatherproof
- tough
- good chemical resistance
- easy to mould
- less flexible than LDPE
- flammable
- difficult to bond
USES: chemical drums, jerry cans, toys, bag for life, buckets
```
75
PP
| polypropylene
```
THERMOPLASTIC
- good chemical & fatigue resistance
- tough
- excellent impact resistance
USES: rope, folders, folio cases, food containers, medical equipment
```
76
HIPS (high impact polystyrene)
THERMOPLASTIC
- cheap (widely used)
- tough
- good impact resistance
- easily machined
- reduced electrical properties, increased moisture resistance
USES: yoghurt pots, fridge lining, plastic cups, toilet seats
77
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
```
THERMOPLASTIC
- tough
- excellent impact resistance
- chemical resistant
- hard
- only opaque, poor weathering
USES: phone handsets, domestic appliances, casings for electronics
```
78
acrylic (polymethylmethacrylate) (PMMA)
THERMOPLASTIC
- tough, hard
- good chemical & weather resistance (durable)
- can be polished to glossy finish
- stiff
brittle, scratches easily
USES: car light casings, laser cut items, lighting units
79
nylon
THERMOPLASTIC
- tough
- corrosion resistant
- good temperature resistance
- low coefficient of friction
- high shrinkage when moulded, lack of stability
USES: bearings, textiles, cable ties, gears
80
rigid polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
```
THERMOLASTIC
- rigid, opaque
- tough, hard
- good weathering & chemical resistance
- attacked by solvents, easily cracked
USES: window frames, external doors, bank cards, gutters
```
81
flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
THERMOPLASTIC
- tough, flexible
- good weathering & chemical resistance
- can be translucent
- easily scratched, becomes brittle under UV light (stabilisers needed)
USES: hose pipes, cable insulation, inflatable products, imitation leather
82
urea formaldehyde
```
THERMOSET
- low cost
- easy to use
- microorganisms & abrasion resistant
- hard
- good electrical insulator
- heat & water resistant
- brittle
- limited shelf life, carcinogenic
USES: electrical fittings, adhesives, plywood & manufactured boards
```
83
melamine formaldehyde
```
THERMOSET
- hard, tough
- shrinking & heat resistant
- easily coloured
- resistant to solvents
- self-extinguishing
- stain resistant, food safe
- affected by concentrated acids & alkalis, not microwave safe
USES: picnic ware, decorative laminates, buttons
```
84
polyester resin
THERMOSET
- rigid
- heat & chemical resistant
- cheap
- brittle
- gives off toxic fumes, strong odour, difficult to mix with other resins
USES: castings, lay up process, car parts
85
epoxy resin
THERMOSET
- moisture & chemical resistant
- impact resistant
- rigid, clear, hard, tough
- yellows when exposed to sunlight, prone to trapping air bubbles
USES: adhesives, crafts, encapsulation of electrical components, pacemakers, aerospace
86
foamant
ADDITIVE
| - increase volume & elasticity
87
fillers
ADDITVE
- improves strength
- decreases cost
- adds bulk
- usually mineral based
88
stabilisers
ADDITIVE
- prevent/decrease rate of degradation
- increases lifespan
89
CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic)
```
COMPOSITE
- carbon fibres mix with polyester resin
- light
- corrosion resistant
- tough, hard
- low thermal expansion
- good compressive strength
- very expensive
- cannot be fixed if dented/cracked
- poor impact resistance
USES: sports equipment, prosthetics, racing car bodies, fishing rods
```
90
GRP (glass reinforced plastic)
```
COMPOSITE
- glass fibres mixed with polyester resin
- light
- corrosion resistant
- tough, hard
- low thermal expansion
- good compressive strength
- brittle, poor rigidity & stiffness
USES: boat hulls, pond liner, kayaks, sports car bodies
```
91
tungsten carbide
COMPOSITE
- cermet (mixture of ceramic & metal particles)
- ceramic tungsten & cobalt metal
- hard, tough
- high temperature & corrosion resistant
- brittle
- low tensile strength, difficult to sharpen
USES: cutting tools (drill bits etc), lathe tool tips, kitchen knives, rings
92
aluminium composite board
COMPOSITE
- aluminium sheets with polyethylene core
- light
- rigid, tough
- malleable
- good thermal & sound insulation
- good vibration damping
- not waterproof
- low fire resistance
- low resistance to UV (fade & lose shine)
USES: soundproofing in cars, buildings etc, signs
93
concrete
```
COMPOSITE
- cement powder, sand, aggregate particles, water
- high compressive strength
- few surface defects
- easy to mould
- low tensile strength, low toughness
- long curing time
- high weight compared to strength
USES: pathways, beams, driveways, house foundations
```
94
reinforced concrete
```
COMPOSITE
- cement powder, sand, aggregate particles, low carbon steel rods, water
- high compressive & tensile strength
- consistent across structure
- fire resistant
- expensive
- shrinkage
- requires formwork until hardens
- very heavy
USES: buildings, bridge piles & spans, grid floors
```
95
fibre cement
COMPOSITE
- cement powder, sand, aggregate particles, steel/polymer fibres, water
- lighter than reinforced concrete
- hard, tough
- good at low temperatures & freeze thaw weathering
- expensive
- uneven distribution of fibres
- steel fibres can corrode
- heavy
USES: suspended floors, pathways, complex geometric shapes
96
engineered wood (glulam)
```
COMPOSITE
- timbre laminates anf MF adhesive
- good aesthetics
- natural alternative to reinforced concrete
- more lightweight than concrete
- fire resistant
- good structural stability
- corrosion proof
- susceptible to scratches & dents
- not moisture resistant
- expensive
USES: beams, bridges, domes, arches, rafters
```
97
natural rubber (polyisoprene)
ELASTOMER
- high tensile strength
- low elongation
- hard, tough
- electrical insulator
- cold, water, certain chemicals resistance
- resistant to fatigue from cutting, chipping, tearing
- very flexible
- not as effective at resisting heat, light, ozone as other rubbers
- expensive
- grows naturally
- has to be exported (global warming)
USES: tyres, tubes, hoses, gaskets, balloons, footwear
98
butadiene rubber
```
ELASTOMER
- synthetic
- tough
- excellent wear & thermal resistance against friction
- electrical insulator
- abrasion resistant
- poor chemical & oil resistance
USES: tyres, shoe soles, conveyor belts, pneumatic hoses
```
99
neoprene (polychloroprene rubber)
ELASTOMER
- synthetic
- good thermal, oil, chemical, weather & abrasion resistance
- tough
- electrical insulator
- expensive compared to alternatives with similar/better properties
- absorbs water
- poor resistance to oxidising acids, hydrocarbons, esters and ketones
USES: wetsuits, laptop cases, shock absorber seals
100
silicone
```
ELASTOMER
- synthetic
- good flexibility at low temperatures
- poor abrasion resistance
- good thermal, temperature extremes and weather resistance
- good lubricating qualities
- flame retardant
- excellent tensile strength
USES: bake wear, cooking utensils, fridge seals, mould making, medical lubricant for prosthetics, tubing for drug delivery system
```
101
corn starch polymer
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- natural
- high starch vegetables (corn, potatoes, maize)
USES: packaging, straws, disposable cutlery, bags, takeaway containers
102
potatopak
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- natural
- potato starch
USES: single use food items (bowls, cutlery, serviettes), packing peanuts, bin bags
103
biopol (bio-batch additive)
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- natural
- bacteria grown in cultures
- additive which promotes degradation, added to thermoplastics
USES: film, carrier bags, vending cups, nappies, surgical stitches, pill coverings
104
polylactic acid (PLA)
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- synthetic
- corn kernels/cane sugar fermented to produce lactic acid then synthesised to produce PLA
USES: packaging, single-use bottles, carrier bags, plant pots, nappies, 3D printing
105
polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
```
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- natural
- bacteria grown in cultures
- fully compostable
USES: packaging, slow release medication patches, film, screws & bone plates
```
106
lactide
```
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- synthetic
- fully compostable, water soluble
- PLA & cellulose based
USES: biomedical applications, slow-release medication, bone repair fixings, detergent washing sachets
```
107
glycolide (lactel & ecofilm)
```
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER
- synthetic
- fully compostable
- PLA & cellulose based
USES: food film, bags, packaging wrap, bin bags, agricultural ground sheet, flower wrap
```
108
synthetic bio-polymers (def)
made from renewable sources but chemically engineered (synthesised) to break down more quickly
109
oxy-degradable polymer (def)
- polymer breaks down when exposed to oxygen
| - length of time for polymer to degrade can be 'programmed'- few months - few years
110
photodegradable polymer (def)
- breaks down when exposed to UV light
111
hydro-degradable polymer (def)
- breaks down when exposed to water
| - degrade more quickly than oxygen-degradable
112
kevlar
```
MODERN MATERIAL
- woven fibre
- flexible
- very difficult to cut
- strong, durable, light
- heat resistant
- very high tensile strength
- absorbent
- poor compressive strength
- special tool needed to cut & piece it
USES: body armour, aerospace, puncture resistant tyres
```
113
precious metal clay
MODERN MATERIAL
- clay consistency made up of metal particles
- easy to mould
- inexpensive compared to solid metals
- fragile (like ceramics)
USES: jewellery, sculptures, decorative items
114
high density modelling foam
```
MODERN MATERIAL
- polyurethane close-cell foam blocks/sheets
- lightweight
- easy to work with using traditional wood working tools (CNC, sands easily- allow creation of intricate shapes & forms)
- absorbent
- releases toxic fumes
- flammable
USES: 3D modelling, prototypes
```
115
polymorph
MODERN MATERIAL
- polymer granules that become mouldable at 60 degrees
- can be heated in water/with a hair dryer
- can be reheated & reformed
- easy to work with, light weight
- can be drilled & cut when cool
- can be used in mould/to create mould
- will stick to silicone & other plastics
USES: modelling, creating ergonomic shapes, moulds
116
shape memory alloy (SMA) (eg nitinol)
SMART MATERIAL
- changes shape in response to change in temperature or electrical input
USES: dental braces, self-closing windows, aeroplane wing flaps
117
thermochromic pigment
SMART MATERIAL
- changes colour in response to temperature change
USES: thermometers, colour change mugs, food packaging, baby feeding spoons, battery charge indicator strips
118
phosphorescent pigment
SMART MATERIAL
- absorbs light energy during the day & re-emits it when it is dark
USES: fire exit signs, glow in the dark products, night lights, watch hands, compass points
119
photochromic pigment
SMART MATERIAL
- changes colour with light intensity
USES: welding goggles, reactive spectacles, security markers
120
electroluminescent wire
SMART MATERIAL
- thin copper wire coated in phosphorescent material that glows in response to an alternating current
USES: glow bracelets, interweaving for clothing, home decoration, outdoor decorative lighting
121
piezoelectric material
SMART MATERIAL
- gives off small electrical charge when deformed
- increases in size when an electrical current is passed through it
USES: airbag sensors, barbecue lighters, musical greetings cards, vibration damping in tennis rackets, pressure sensors
