Smart Materials

Question 1

What is Shape memory alloy? (SMA)

Answer 1

SMA wire (called Nitinol) looks like a normal wire but it can be programmed to remember shape.

This is done by clamping the wire into a specific shape for 5 minutes at 150 degrees.

The wire becomes hard when a small current is passed through.

Question 2

What are Hydrochromic inks?

Answer 2

They change when made contact to water.

USE - put into soil of plant, if water content is low, it changes colour to yellow.

Question 3

What is thermochromic ink ?

Answer 3

Changes colour when temperature changes

Eg. mugs that change colour when hot tea added

Question 4

What is photochromic ink?

Answer 4

Darkens as light increases

USE - sunglasses

Question 5

What are hydromorphic polymers?

Answer 5

Expand and contract in water,

Eg. bath toys

Question 6

What are hydrocarbon encapsulating polymers?

Answer 6

Absorb oil to form a rubbery substance

Eg. prevent oil slicks at sea

Question 7

What are aroma pigments?

Answer 7

Inks that produce an aroma when scratched.

Eg. “Scratch and Sniff” in magazines or perfume samples

Question 8

What is phosphorescent pigment?

Answer 8

Absorbs energy from the sun and release it slowly over time to form light.

Eg. illuminious watches.

Question 9

What is polymorph?

Answer 9

Thermoplastic that can be shaped and reshaped multiple times.

Supplied in granules.

USE - 3D modelling, shaped by hand or mould.

Question 10

How to use polymorph?

Answer 10

1. Get the polymorph granules.
2. Add hot water and allow granules to join together
3. Remove the mass of polymorph.
4. Mould the polymorph into the intended shape.

(Could be made by a skilled craftsperson or CAD software can create a mould)