New Materials

Question 1

What are the properties of nitinol?

Answer 1

When cool it can be bent and shaped like rubber, however bent past a certain point it will stay in that position

When heated it returns to “remembered” position

Useful for glasses frames and braces

Question 2

What are nano particles?

Answer 2

Particles with a width of 1-100 nanometers

They contain just a few 100 atoms

Question 3

Describe an example of a nano particle

Answer 3

Fullerenes are made from
Carbon atoms arranged hexagonally in spherical or tubular shapes

The properties depend on the number of carbon atoms

Question 4

What is a use of fullerenes?

Answer 4

Tube shaped fullerenes are very strong because of all of their covalent bonds and so are used to reinforce graphite in tennis racquets

Question 5

What are some possible and current uses of nano science?

Answer 5

> high surface area of volume means that they can be used for industrial catalysts

> highly specific sensors, already used for water purity

> stronger, lighter building materials
used for deodorant as can function without leaving white marks as are absorbed into skin

> nano medicine as nano tubes can easily be absorbed into bloodstream

> nanotubes conduct electricity so could be used for circuits in computer chips

Question 6

Give an example of a smart material

Answer 6

Nitinol (50% titanium 50% nickel)