Smart materials Flashcards
What is a smart material?
Materials that exhibit a physical change in response to an external stimuli.
What is a shape memory alloy?
an alloy that can return to its original shape when heated after being deformed
What can shape memory alloys be used for?
Glasses frames
Showers
Coffee machines
What is a polymorph?
small pellets which fuse together when heated and can be moulded into shape resulting in a very tough polymer.
What can polymorph be used for?
*manufacturing awkward shapes such as ergonomic handles
*joining components together
*making moulds for vacuum forming
What does photochromic pigment do?
Change colour if the level of light changes
What can photochromic pigment be used in?
Sunglasses that darken once exposed to light to protect the eye.
What does thermochromic pigment do?
Change colour in reaction to changes in temperature
What can thermochromic pigment be used in?
Gimmicks (Colour changing mugs)
Thermometers
What is microencapsulation?
Tiny spheres (balls) contain the smell (e.g. perfume) and when you rub the printed ink these spheres burst, releasing the smell.
What can microencapsulation be used for?
promotional stickers
antibacterial socks
perfume advertisements
What are biometrics?
Biometrics makes use of our unique physical characteristics and features to identify us
What can biometrics be used for?
Retina scanning
Fingertip recognition
Palm print recognition
Face recognition
