assessment

Question 1

smart materials

Answer 1

materials that can respond to changes in their environment and alter one or more of their properties accordingly

Question 2

shape memory alloys

Answer 2

alloys that can return to their original shape after being deformed when exposed to a specific stimulus - usually heat

Question 3

piezoelectric materials

Answer 3

materials that generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress

Question 4

self healing materials

Answer 4

materials that have the ability to repair damage to themselves automatically through chemical reactions or a repair agent

Question 5

thermo-chromic materials

Answer 5

materials that change their colour in response to a change in tenperature

Question 6

electrochromic materials

Answer 6

materials that change colour or transparency when an electrical voltage is applied - commonly used in smart windows

Question 7

shape memory polymers

Answer 7

polymers that can return to their original shape after a deformed state when exposed to an external stimuli e.g. heat

Question 8

carbon fibre composites

Answer 8

composite materials made from carbon fibres embedded in a polymer matrix and known for their high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness

Question 9

glass fibre composites

Answer 9

composites that consist of fine glass fibres embedded in a polymer matrix and known for strength/ low cost/ corrosion resistance

Question 10

kevlar composites

Answer 10

composites that use fibres within a polymer matrix and known for their high tensile strength/ impact resistance/ lightweight properties

Question 11

reinforcement materials

Answer 11

materials added to a composite to provide strength/ rigidity/ other desirable properties in the form of fibres or particles

Question 12

matrix materials

Answer 12

substance in a composite that holds the reinforcement material in place and transfers the load to it - typically a polymer/ metal/ ceramic

Question 13

laminates

Answer 13

materials made by stacking layers of composite material to achieve greater strength/ stability/ damage resistance

Question 14

nano-materials

Answer 14

materials with structures sized between 1-100 nanometres - exhibiting unique physical and chemical properties

Question 15

bio composites

Answer 15

composite materials made from natural fibres/ renewable resources combined with a matrix material - used for sustainability and biodegradability