1.7 Smart Materials Flashcards
Thermo-ceramics function and application
Used in turbine blades for jet engines and turbo chargers in race cars
Thermo-ceramics advantages
They keep strength and stability even in high temps
SMA functions and applications
SMAs bend out of shape when heated but will return to the original shape again without fracturing.
Used for spectacle frames and braces
SMA advantages
Can be used millions of times without breaking
super elasticity
corrosion resistance
Reactive glass function and application
turns from transparent to translucent when a current passes through
Used for windows, doors and welding masks
Reactive glass advantages
Offers privacy
fatigue resistance
retains heat, reduces energy bill
LCD (liquid crystal display) function and applications
Reacts to a voltage and turns dark when light falls on it
Modern applications like laptop and tv screens
LCD advantages
Extremely high resolution
Energy efficient
Sharpness of display
thinner products
Photochromic materials function and applications
Reacts to light, changes colour when light or dark
used for prescribed sunglasses and novelty nail varnish and toys
Photochromic materials advantages
More cost effective
Easier transition between outside and inside conditions
Users don’t need to remember two glasses.
Thermo-chromic function and application
React to heat, they change colour when hot or cold.
Used in baby products such as spoons and bath thermometers kettles and mugs
Thermo-chromic advantages
Energy efficiency when used in kettles
Safety in baby products so they aren’t burned.
Humour effect when in mugs
QTC (Quantum tunnel composite) functions and applications
React to pressure, when in a relaxed state they are insulators but when compressed, twisted or stretched they are conductors.
QTC (Quantum tunnel composite) advantages
Works as insulator or conductor
Fatigue resistance
Flexibility
Versatility
Available in different forms
