Smart Matirials

Question 1

What is Photochromic pigments

Answer 1

• 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 2

What is Thermochromic pigments

Answer 2

• Fever scan strips used on infants
• Room thermometers
• Children’s cutlery and crockery
• Novelty goods and colour changing clothing
• Some pigments have a permanent change

Question 3

What is a Shape Memory Alloy (sma)

Answer 3

• Nitinol is an SMA of nickel and titanium
• Nitinol needs to be ‘set’ into a shape which requires a high temperature of around 540°C
• Once set, the alloy can be deformed into a different shape
• Heat or electricity is used to trigger a response in its shape
• When reheated to around 70°C it will go back to its pre-set shape

Question 4

What is Polycaprolatone (pcl)

Answer 4

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