Smart Materials

Question 1

Thermocromic pigments

Answer 1

Hot and cold temperatures trigger a change of colour i sspecial thermocromic dyes. Applications - Fever scan strips, Room thermometers, children s cutlery

Question 2

Photocromic pigment

Answer 2

UV light stimulates particles in a special pigment. The effect only lasts as long as strong UV light is present. These pigments are mainly used for novelty goods and colour changing paints.

Question 3

Shape memory alloys

Answer 3

Are metal alloys that can remember their shape when heated, if the shape o fthe object is changed it will return to its original shape or when current is applied

Question 4

Phosphorecent materials

Answer 4

Phosphorecent is a process whereby energy from the sun is absorbed by a material and it is released slowly over a long time in the form of light

Question 5

Piezoelectric materials

Answer 5

Generates a small electric charge when sensors are compressed. Uses are seat belt sensors

Question 6

Electrolumicent materials

Answer 6

A thin copper wire coated in a phospur which glows brightly when a current is applied to it. §

Question 7

Modern materials

Answer 7

Graphene, metal foams, titainium