Smart materials

Question 1

What are smart materials?

Answer 1

Materials that can change it’s properties depending on changes in their environment but can also change back.

Question 2

What are examples of smart materials and it’s uses?

Answer 2

Thermochromic pigments -Changes colour at specific temperatures
-mood tings, colour changing mugs

Photochromic pigments - changes colour when exposed to light
- Adaptive lenses for glasses that go dark when it’s bright

Shape memory polymer - Can be bent out of original shape but brought back to normal when heated

• car bumpers
• tightening medical stitches
• gum-shields

Shape memory alloy - turn to original shape when heated

• sporting equipment
• car bodies
• medical applications eg, surgical plates

Hydrogels- Absorbs water up to 1000 x it’s own volume. This water is then released when it’s dry or with changes in pH

• hair gels
• granules added to soil to help retain water
• nappies