Smart, Modern and Composite Materials Flashcards
Explain what is meant by the term ‘Smart material’
Smart materials are materials that can change their properties when their environment changes.
Describe how Nitinol or Shape Memory Alloy works.
Nitinol is a ‘smart wire’ that changes length when heat is applied. An example would be braces, as your body heat tries to shorten the wire, which pulls your teeth back into place.
- Changes from around 10cm to 9cm (Smart)
- Can also be used to replace muscle
- 10% reduction
Describe how Memoflex or Shape Memory Alloy works.
Memoflex glasses are made from shape memory shape memory alloy and gave the ability to return their original shape even when they have been badly bent.
- Spring back into that shape
- Wire; set in that shape
- Nickel & Titanium
Describe how Thermochromic Pigment works.
Thermo - heat & Chromic - Colour
Changes colour when heated up
E.g, Colour changing baby spoons, Forehead thermometers.
- Incorporated into bottles
Describe how Phosphorescent Pigment works.
For example, fire exit signs (That green running guy)
It absorbs light in the day and gives the light off again in the dark. Obviously, the brighter it is, the more light it will give off. (shine)
Describe how Polymorph (Plastic) works.
The plastic comes in granules that are put into water which is at 65%, the plastic then becomes a clear solid structure which can be molded to fit something, e.g a hand shape.
- Crutches and walking aid
- Perfectly fit hand shape
- Hospitals
- Prototypes
- Ergonomic products and Bespoke products
- A thermoplastic - low melting point
Describe how Smart Grease works.
- Slows things down by different temperatures
- Additional - can be added
- Used on controls - feels better
- Restricts movement
Describe how Smart Springs work.
Temperature reactive springs which will spring apart for recycling.
- 200 degrees - pings apart
- Mostly put into phones to make it easier to recycle
- All components need to be separated
Explain what is meant by the term ‘Modern Materials’
Modern Materials are materials that have been developed since the second world war.
- All oil based plastics are modern materials
- Almost all composite woods are modern materials
- Most coated metals are too
Describe the factors of Precious Clay Metal.
- 95% Metal
- Metal is in dust form, metals together
- Binding of clay
- Bespoke product
- Very expensive - one time product
>Jewellery
Describe the factors of Gluelam.
- Massive laminated beams
- Makes structural beams
- Left wooden (looks attractive)
- Very strong, cheap wood
- Used when steel is too heavy
- Used over swimming pools
Describe the factors of Carbon Fibre.
\+ Incredibly light material \+ Very useful - Oven needs to be big to bake - Labour intensive - Thermosetting composite materials > Formula 1 cars
Explain what is meant by ‘Composite Materials’
Materials that are a mixture materials from different families.
Polymer based: GRP (Fibreglass) and Carbon Fibre
Particle based: Concrete and Cemets
Describe the factors of Laminated Glass.
- Glass - PVB- Glass (Sandwich with plaster in the centre)
- Bulletproof glass
- Indestructibility
Describe the factors of Concrete.
Cement, sand, stone and water bind together. - Easy to mould - Not environmentally friendly >Buildings >Garden ornament >Street furniture
