Smart, Modern and Composite materials

Question 1

Give examples of Smart Materials.

Answer 1

Nitinol - Shape memory alloy. Changes shape when heated > Used in braces to pull the teeth.

Memoflex - Shape memory alloy > Used for spectacle frames - When bent, they return to their normal shape when heated.

Thermochromic pigment - Colour changing > Used for baby spoons and forehead thermometers.

Phosphorescent pigment - Fire exit signs.

Question 2

Give examples of modern materials.

Answer 2

Precious clay metal - 95% metal > Used for jewellery.

Gluelam.

Carbon fibre - Strong and light > Usually used for race cars.

Question 3

Give examples of composite materials.

Answer 3

Laminated glass - Layered glass > Glass - PVB (plastic) - Glass.

Concrete - Made with cement, sand, stone and water > Used for buildings, garden ornaments and stree fruniture. Lasts a long time (almost forever), particle based.

Cermets - Tungsten carbide > Hard to mould and manufacture. Sintered.