Unit Two: New Materials Flashcards
What are smart materials?
Materials that behave differently depending on the conditions, e.g. temperature
Name an example of a smart material and some of its properties:
Nitinol- a “shape memory alloy”:
It’s a metal alloy (about half nickel, half titanium)
When it’s cool you can bend it and twist it but if twisted too far, it’ll stay bent. However if you heat it above a certain temp, it goes back to its “remembered” shape
It’s used for braces-warms up in the mouth and tries to return to a “remembered” shape, and so gently pulls the teeth with it
What do nanoparticles contain?
What do nanoparticles include?
Roughly a few hundred atoms
Fullerenes-these are molecules of carbon shaped like hollow balls or closed tubes. The carbon atoms are arranged in hexagonal rings.
Properties and uses of nanoparticles:
Huge surface area to volume ratio-could help make industrial catalysts
Can be used to make sensors to detect one type of molecule-these are highly specific
Can be used to make stronger, lighter building materials
Don’t leave white marks on the skin therefore used in sun cream and deodorant
Conduct electricity-can be used in electrical circuits
