2D Smart materials

Question 1

What are smart materials?

Answer 1

Materials designed to react and respond to external stimuli, by sensing changes/conditions in their surrounding environment (e.g. light/temp./moisture/pressure)

Question 2

Thermochromic pigment

Answer 2

The pigment changes colour in response to heat level changes, meaning they can change colour when heated/cooled - they can be in the form of a finish/filament

Liquid crystals can be encapsulated onto fibres/fabrics

Question 2

Uses for thermochromic pigment

Answer 2

Gloves/ironing boards/mugs/medical textiles(warnings or indicators)/playmats

Question 3

Solvation chromism

Answer 3

Changing colour in response to a change in moisture levels

Hidden prints can appear on the surface when wet

Question 4

Uses for solvation chromism

Answer 4

Baby nappies/umbrellas/swimwear/coats

Question 5

Photochromic pigment

Answer 5

The pigment changes colour as a response to a change in light intensity (UV light) - the material returns to normal when the light source is removed

Photochromic inks can be printed/dyed onto fabric

Question 6

Uses for photochromic pigment

Answer 6

• sewing thread and beads
• children’s garments
• monitoring body functions/giving warnings

Question 7

Phase-changing materials

Answer 7

Materials that change in response to personal micro-climates, regulating your temp. (heating you when you are cold/cooling when hot

They can be incorporated into raw materials/fibres/fabrics

Question 8

Uses for phase-changing materials

Answer 8

Gloves/coats/sportswear/bedding/footwear/seating

Question 9

Example of a phase-changing material

Answer 9

Outlast: regulates temp. according to the environment temp.
- microscopic capsules in the fabric can change from one state to another
- as they change state, energy is absorbed (e.g. solid to liquid)
- the fabric then feels cool because it absorbs heat
- when they change back from liquid to solid, the fabric releases energy

Question 10

Micro-encapsulated textiles

Answer 10

When microscopic capsules containing various substances/chemicals are added to fibres (yarn/fabric/micro-fibres) - the chemicals are then slowly released when the fabric comes in contact (friction) with the skin

Substances can include: essential oils, moisturisers, antiseptics and anti-bacterial chemicals

Question 11

Uses for micro-encapsulated textiles

Answer 11

• underwear/socks(odour repellants)/tights(anti-cellulite)
• medical dressings
• insect repellant stickers
• fragrances

Question 12

Phosphorescent pigment

Answer 12

Pigments that glow in the dark, by absorbing light energy and storing it, and then releasing the energy over a period of time

Question 13

Uses for phosphorescent pigment

Answer 13

Watch faces/fire safety signs