smart materials Flashcards
what are smart materials?
materials that react to changes in their enviroment
what are smart materials properties changed by?
external conditions
what external conditions could a smart materials properties be affected by?
.temprature
. light
.pH
. electricity
what is the change of properties in smart materials?
reversible
+ can be repeated many times
what is a shape memory alloy/polymer
if a polymer is bent out of shape when heated above a certain temprature it will go back to it’s original shape
what can shape memory alloys / polymers be used to make/ do ?
spectacle frames
. triggers to start sprinklers in fire alarm system
. controllers for hot water valves in showers / coffee machines
what are colour change / thermochromic materials?
materials that change colour as the temprature changes
what can thermochromic / colour changing materials be used for?
. contact thermometers
. food packaging materials
what are photochromic materials?
materials that change colour according to different light conditions or light intensity
what could photochromic materials be used in?
security markers taht can only be seen in UV light
what are polymer gels / hydrogels ?
they are polymer chains that are hydrophillic
what can hydrogels be used to make?
. contact lenses
. nappies
. wound dressings
. drug delivery systems
what are some features of hydrogels ?
. they can absorb / expell water up to 1000 x their volume
what are electroluminescent materials?
materials that give out light when an electric current is applied to them
