properties of smart materials

smart materials

STE PPP

SMA (shape mempery alloy)

• changes shape in response to a change in temperature or electrical input

• used for dental braces, self closing windows, aeroplane wing flaps, bone plates

thermochromic pigment

• changes colour in response to temperature change

• used in room thermometers, medical thermometer for children, colour changing mugs

electroluminescent wire

• thin copper wire coated in phosphorescent material which glows in response to an alternating current.

• used for glow bracelets, interweaving for clothing, home decoration, outdoor decorative lighting

phosphorescent pigment

• absorbs light energy during the day and re-emits the light energy when it is dark

• used for fire exit signs, glow in the dark products

photochromic pigment

• changes colour with light intensity

• used for welding goggles, reactive spectacle lenses, security markers that show under UV

piezoelectric material

• gives off a small electrical charge when deformed increases in size when electrical current passes through it

• used for airbag sensors in cars, lighters for barbecues, musical greeting cards