Smart, Modern And Composite Materials

Question 1

What is a modern material ?

Answer 1

A material that has been developed through the invention of new or improved process to improve the properties of the material
Eg stronger, lighter and more water resistance

Question 2

What are some examples of commonly used smart materials ?

Answer 2

Concrete, steel and aluminum

More recent additions include materials that have changed the way we manufacture products

Question 3

What is graphene ?

Answer 3

A single carbon layer material which is hypothetically 100 times stronger than steel

Hypothetically because we are yet to manufacture it in large enough quantities to prove this

Question 4

Why could graphene be useful ?

Answer 4

• it’s hypothetically 100 times stronger than steel
• provide a body armor that is bulletproof, invisible and almost weightless

Question 5

What is LCD ?

Answer 5

Liquid crystal displays
Use light modulating properties of liquid crystals to display an image

When charge is applied to each crystal the shape changes to either block light or let light pass through

It ensures text or images display on the LCD

Question 6

What do LCDs require

Answer 6

A backlight to work
Many modern devices now opt to use organic light- emitting diodes (OLEDs) instead of
This allows for the device to be thinner and lighter

Question 7

What are the pros and cons of OLEDs?

Answer 7

Pros
Allow for thinner panels
Better color and contrast

Cons
More expensive with each pixel needing its own light

Question 8

What are nano materials ?

Answer 8

• Tiny particles 1 of 100 nm that can be used in thin films or coatings such as
• the oleophobic coatings on smartphones that repel greasy fingerprints
• Hydrophobic materials that repeal water

Question 9

What are breathable fabrics designed for ?

Answer 9

To allow body moisture to evaporate away from the body through the use of a breathable membrane laminated between layers of fabrics whilst remaining waterproof

Question 10

What does the membrane have in breathable fabrics ?

Answer 10

Microscopic holes, big enough to let body moisture through but too small for rain

Often used in tenets and waterproof walking gear

Question 11

What are some examples of breathable materials ?

Answer 11

Gore- Tex
Permatex
SympaTex