smart materials

Question 1

What is SMAS and what can it be used for?

Answer 1

Changes she in response to a change in temperature or electrical input.
Uses; Dental braces, aeroplane wing flaps, bone plates.

Question 2

What is therm-chromic pigment and what can it be used for?

Answer 2

Changes colour in response to a change in temperature.
Uses; Thermometers, colour changing mugs, baby feeding spoons.

Question 3

What is phosphorescent pigment and what can it be used for?

Answer 3

Absorbs light energy during daylight hours and re-emits this light energy when it is dark.
Uses; fire exit signs, glow in the dark decorations, night lights.

Question 4

What is photochromic pigment and what can it be used for?

Answer 4

Changes colour in response to a change in light.
Uses; Welding goggles, reactive glasses lenses.

Question 5

What is electroluminescent wire and was can it be used for?

Answer 5

Thin copper wire that is coated in in electroluminescent material that glows with a change in electrical current.
Uses; Glow bracelets, outdoor decorative lighting.

Question 6

What is Peizoelectic material and was can it be used for?

Answer 6

Gives off small electrical charge caused by a change in pressure or temperature which causes the material to expand.
Uses; Airbag sensors in cars, lighters for BBQ’s, pressure sensors.