Smart An Modern Materials Flashcards
What are thermochromic materials and use
Materials that change colour based on heat. E.g. A forehead thermometer that says if child is overly hot
What are photochromic materials and use
Materials that change colour based on light, light sensitive glasses
What are electrochromic materials and use
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
What are hydrochromic materials and use
Materials that change colour when stimulated by water, e.g. An umbrella that goes colourful in the rain
Phosphorescent material
Absorb light in the day and emit it at night, watch hands
Definition of smart material
A material that behaves in a special or unique way when a stimulus is applied
What is a modern material
Any new material created in the last 50 years
What are cornstarch polymers
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
Paper foam
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
Lyocell
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
Polymorph
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
PMC
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
Nano technology
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