Smart Materials Flashcards
Describe smart materials
Material that reacts to stimuli
Changes its physical properties in response to a input.
How do Shape Memory Alloys work? SMA
Changes shape in a response to a change in temperature or electrical input
State 2 used of Shape Memory Alloys
- Dental braces
- Self closing windows
How does thermochromic pigment work?
Changes colour in response to temperature
Thermo = Temperature
Chromic = Colour
State three uses of thermochromic pigment
- Thermometers
- Those cool mugs that change colour when you put hot liquid inside. :)
How does phosphorescent pigment work?
Absorb light energy during the day and ‘re-emits’ the light energy when it is dark
State two uses of phosphorescent pigment
- Fire exits signs
- Glow in the dark stickers
How does photochromic pigment work?
Changes colour with light intensity
Photo = light
Chromic = Colour
State two uses of photochromic pigment
- Welding goggles
- Reactive spectacle lenses
- Security marker that shows up under UV light
How does electroluminescent wire work?
Thin copper wire coated in a phosphorescent material that glows in response to an alternating current
State two uses electroluminescent wire
- Glow bracelets
- Home decorations (fairy lights)
How does piezoelectric material work?
generates electric energy when you squeeze or press it.
State two uses piezoelectric material
- Lighters for barbecues
- Musical greeting cards
