1.7 Smart and modern materials Flashcards
Smart material
A material whose physical properties change in response to an input or change in the environment, such as electricity, pressure, temperature or light.
Modern material
A material developed through the invention of new or improved processes, as a result of man made materials or human intervention.
Thermo-ceramics
Metal powder is placed in a mould under high pressure. The high pressure forces the particles to bond.
Thermo-ceramic uses
Turbine blades in jets, tips on cutting tools etc
Shape memory alloys
Changes shape in response to a change in temperature or electrical input.
Shape memory alloy uses
Dental braces, self closing windows, aeroplane wing flaps etc.
Reactive glass
Glass reacts to a change in temperature by changing the tint.
When the glass gets hot, the glass darkens to block the heat from entering through the glass.
Reactive glass uses
Apartment or office block windows etc
Liquid crystal displays
Change colour when an electric voltage is applied. The cell turns from light to dark.
LCD uses
Digital clocks, computer screens, calculators etc
Photochromic material
Changes colour with light intensity
Photochromic material uses
Welding goggles, reactive glasses lenses etc.
Thermo-chromic material
Changes colour in response to temperature change.
Thermo-chromic material uses
Room thermometers, colour change mugs etc.
Quantum tunnelling composites
Insulating rubber containing tiny metal particles.
The material is pressure or force sensing. When there is a change in the applied pressure or force, the material changes from electrical insulator to conductor.
