Smart and Modern Materials

Question 1

Smart Materials

Answer 1

React to external stimulus/changes in the environment without the intervention of humans

Question 2

Modern Materials

Answer 2

Evolve with technology as they are developed through the invention of new or improved manufacturing processes

Question 3

Photochromic Pigments

Answer 3

React to changes in UV/light levels. Pigments darken as light level increases.

Expensive and dependent on UV levels

Question 4

Thermochromic Pigment

Answer 4

Pigments sensitive to temperature. Crystals reorientated causing a change in colour. Available in crystals or dyes.

Question 5

Electroluminescent Wire

Answer 5

Wire that emits light due to the passage of electric current. Usually semiconductors.

Adv:
- Thin, lightweight, strong, reliable, no glare, 80% efficient
Disadv:
- Limited life span

Question 6

Phosphorescent Pigment

Answer 6

Made from phosphors which produce light without emission of heat. A low-intensity light that lasts a long time.

Question 7

Smart Memory Alloy

Answer 7

Folded to form a shape and returns to original shape when heated to 90C.

Adv:
- Conduct electricity and forms complex shapes
Dis Adv:
- Expensive compared to normal metals such as steel or copper wire

Question 8

Kevlar

Answer 8

Fibre formed to create long chain polyamide.

Adv:
- Hight tensile strength to weight, flexible, combined with other molecules
Dis Adv:
- Absorbs moisture, reacts to compressive forces, difficult to cut and shape, reacts badly to UV

Question 9

Piezoelectric Materials

Answer 9

Materials that create electricity when subjected to mechanical stress and vice versa.

High-temperature sensitivity

Question 10

Precious Metal Clay

Answer 10

Craft material; with microscopic particles of gold, silver and other metal bound in a pliable medium.

Adv:
- Inexpensive compared to solid metals like silver, easy to mould and shape, quickset - 10 mins at 700C
Dis Adv:
- Shrink when set by 10%, quick work

Question 11

Graphene

Answer 11

Very thin layer of carbon extracted from graphite. Nano material with honeycomb structure

Adv:
- lightweight, strong, transparent
Dis Adv:
- Expensive

Question 12

High density modelling foam

Answer 12

Polyurethane -> closed cell foam blocks

Adv:
- Lightwieght, easy to work with
Dis Adv:
- Expensive emits chemicals

Question 13

Polymorph

Answer 13

Reshapeable thermoplastic supplied as granules. At 62C can be moulded and shaped.

Question 14

Nanomaterials

Answer 14

Precise manipulation of tiny particles one billionth of a normal particle

Cant be recucled and potential toxicity

Question 15

Uses of Photochromic materials

Answer 15

sunglass lenses, ink, camera filters, nail varnish

Question 16

Uses of Thermochromic materials

Answer 16

baby food containers, kettles, kitchen appliances and battery test strips

Question 17

Uses of Electroluminescent Wire

Answer 17

Used in costumes

Question 18

Uses of Phosphorescent Pigment

Answer 18

Used in safety signs and watch faces

Question 19

Uses of Smart Memory Alloys

Answer 19

Used in batteries and braces

Question 20

Uses of Kevlar

Answer 20

Used in tyres, vests, canoes, aircraft

Question 21

Uses of Piezoelectric Materials

Answer 21

Used in airbag sensors, keyless door entry, ultrasonic and sonar technologies.

Question 22

Uses of Precious Metal Clay

Answer 22

Jewellry

Question 23

Uses of Graphene

Answer 23

Used in solar panels, phones, drug delivery, vehicle paint and touchscreens

Question 24

Uses of High density modelling foam

Answer 24

Modelling

Question 25

Uses of polymorph

Answer 25

Used in ergonomic handles, moulds and gluing components

Question 26

Uses of nano materials

Answer 26

Used in cosmetics, electronics, surace coating and tennis rackets.