- Nanoparticles + Smart Materials

Question 1

Nanoparticles - Advantages

Answer 1

• High surface area to volume ratio

- Cheaper and more efficient than larger particles.

Question 2

Nanoparticles - Disadvantages

Answer 2

• Unknown long-term impacts
• Easily inhaled/abosrbed by skin
• May cause fibrosis in lungs

Question 3

Nanoparticles - Uses

Answer 3

• Catalysts
• Deodorants
• Suncream
• Dressings
• Self-cleaning windows
• Fridge insides

Question 4

Nanoparticles - Properties

Answer 4

• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-fungal
• Reflect UV light
• High surface area
• Transparent

Question 5

Thermochromic Pigments

Answer 5

• Change colour at specific temperatures

- Liquid crystals reorientate

Question 6

Thermochromic Pigments - Uses

Answer 6

• Mugs
• Battery power indicators
• T-shirts

Question 7

Photochromic Pigments

Answer 7

• Change colour with light intensity

- Light breaks a bond so rearrange

Question 8

Photochromic Pigments - Uses

Answer 8

• T-shirts

- Photochromic glasses lenses

Question 9

Shape-memory Polymer

Answer 9

• Plastics that regain their shape when heated

- Can be shaped, stretched or deformed when soft

Question 10

Shape-memory Polymer - Uses

Answer 10

• Sealing window frames
• Sportswear like gum shields
• Car bodies
• Medical stitches (tension adjusting/biodegradable)

Question 11

Shape-memory Alloys

Answer 11

• Alloys that regain their shape when heated

- Often pseudoelastic and shape retentive

Question 12

Shape-memory Alloys - Uses

Answer 12

• Deformable glasses frames
• Surgical plates
• Surgical wires (replace tendons)
• Thermostats

Question 13

Hydrogels

Answer 13

• Polymer gels that absorb or expel water
• May swell or shrink if heat/pH changes
• Cross-link structure

Question 14

Hydrogels - Uses

Answer 14

• Artificial muscles
• Plant granules
• Nappy fillings
• Fire fighting