Smart Materials Flashcards
What is a Smart material?
A material whose physical property changes due to an external stimulus
What is a common smart material?
Shape Memory alloy called nitinol
What temperature will nitinol return to its original temperature?
70 degrees
What are some uses of nitinol?
dental braces, self closing windows
What are the 5 smart materials?
Thermochromic pigment Phosphorescent Photochromic pigment Electroluminescent wire Piezoelectric material
How does thermochromic pigment change?
changes colour in response to temperature change
What are uses of thermochromic pigment?
thermometers, colour changing mugs, baby feeding spoons, food packaging
How does phosphorescent change?
It absorbs light and re-emits the light energy when its’s dark
What are uses of phosphorescent?
fire exit signs, glow in the dark products
How does photochromic pigment change?
colour changes with light intensity
What are the uses of photochromic pigment?
welding goggles, reactive glasses
How does Electroluminescent wire change?
thin copper wire glows in response to alternating current
What are the uses of electroluminescent wire?
home/outdoor decoration, glowing bracelets, interweaving for clothing
How does piezoelectric material change?
gives off a small electric charge when deformed
What are uses of piezoelectric material?
Airbag sensors, music greeting cards, pressure sensors, vibration damping tennis racquets
