Smart An Modern Materials

Question 1

What are thermochromic materials and use

Answer 1

Materials that change colour based on heat. E.g. A forehead thermometer that says if child is overly hot

Question 2

What are photochromic materials and use

Answer 2

Materials that change colour based on light, light sensitive glasses

Question 3

What are electrochromic materials and use

Answer 3

Materials that change colour depending on how much electricity is applied. Rear view mirror in car that darkens when lots of light, liquid crystal displays in clocks

Question 4

What are hydrochromic materials and use

Answer 4

Materials that change colour when stimulated by water, e.g. An umbrella that goes colourful in the rain

Question 5

Phosphorescent material

Answer 5

Absorb light in the day and emit it at night, watch hands

Question 6

Definition of smart material

Answer 6

A material that behaves in a special or unique way when a stimulus is applied

Question 7

What is a modern material

Answer 7

Any new material created in the last 50 years

Question 8

What are cornstarch polymers

Answer 8

Plastics made of organic material such as potatoes and corn, rather than oil. They are less strong and hard wearing than traditional plastics and not as versatile as thermo plastics but they will biodegrade

Question 9

Paper foam

Answer 9

Another alternative to oil thermoplastics and is a combination of of starch based polymers and paper fibres. It is also biodegradable and can be moulded. Also lighter than oil based equivalent so saves in transport costs

Question 10

Lyocell

Answer 10

High strength paper fibres made from wood pulp, will biodegrade very fast in damp conditions and is used to make tea bags and coffee filters

Question 11

Polymorph

Answer 11

A type of plastic that is hard at room temperature but softens when heated to 60C. It can be moulded after softening into any shape like plasticine but it goes hard again when it cools. Can be considered a smart material as it reacts to heat

Question 12

PMC

Answer 12

Precious metal clays, 99.9% metal 0.1% clay. This means it can be easily shaped at room temperature using just hands but after it is heated to the point where the metal just begins to melt, it hardens and becomes solid

Question 13

Nano technology

Answer 13

Method of changing the structure of atoms to make them better. Can make materials lighter, less expensive, stronger and more precise. Example would be turning coal into diamond