Smart Materials Flashcards
Advantages of Electroluminescent Material
- can be found in the form of flexible films or thin panels
- flexible
- don’t generate heat
- increased reliability and durability
Electroluminescent Material
Provides a visible light when exposed to an electrical current
- made of a thin copper wire coated in phosphor powder
Uses of Electroluminescent Material
- mobile phones
- car dashboard displays
- watches
- signage
Quantum Tunneling Composite
Flexible polymer which contains tiny (conductive) nickel particles
- when a force is applied, the particles come into contact with each other
- this allows it to become conductive
Advantages of Quantum Tunneling Composite
- variable input can be applied
- compact
Uses of Quantum Tunneling Composite
- mobile phones
- electric drills
- pressure sensors
Shape Memory Alloys
Alloys that return to their original form when heated
- Nitinol
Advantages of Shape Memory Alloys
- can be shaped and deformed
Uses of Shape Memory Alloys
- medical fastenings
- dental implants (braces)
Polymorph
Material that becomes soft and plaiable at low temperatures
Advantages of Polymorph
- normally supplied as granules
- can be reshaped
- more readily recycled
Uses of Polymorph
- ergonomic handles
- features on products
Photochromic Pigment
Material that changes colour dependent on light intensity
Uses of Photochromic Pigment
- sunglasses which become lighter/darker in response to UV radiation
Thermochromic Pigment
Material that changes in response to a change in heat
Advantages of Thermochromic Pigment
- can be manufactured to change at a specific temperature
Uses of Thermochromic Pigment
- temperature indicator for infants
Micro-Encapsulation
Process of applying microscopic capsules to fibres/fabrics
Uses of Micro-Encapsulation
- medical dressings embedded with antiseptics
- sportswear with chemicals to prevent odour
Biomimicry
Taking ideas and mimicking features from nature
- Fastskin developed by Speedo
