Smart materials

What are the main properties of Graphene?

1. Electroconductive

2. Biodegradable

3. 200 times stronger than steel

4. Can take any shape

5. Ultra-lightweight

Main properties of metal foams?

1. Strong

2. Lightweight

3. Thermally conductive

4. Good sound (energy) absorption

What are metal foams?

Like a metal sponge in texture in construction

What is titanium?

A versatile base metal

Characteristics of titanium?

• Strong (high strength)

• Low density (lightweight)

• Corrosion resistant

• High melting point

What can titanium be used for?

• Aircraft and spacecraft

• Replacement joints (e.g. hips)

• Medical implants

• Sports equipment

What are coated metals?

A coated metal is a metal that has been covered with another material (often paint, plastic, or another metal) to protect it from air, water, or chemical damage.

3 examples of coated metals?

1. Anodised aluminium

2. Nickel-plated steel

3. Polymer-coated aluminium

What is an LCD?

A Liquid Crystal Display is a flat panel screen that uses liquid crystals to control light and create images.

Advantages of LCDs?

• Low energy use (very efficient)

• Flat and lightweight

• Can be made in different sizes

Key facts about LCDs?

• LCDs use liquid crystals

  • Liquid crystals are substances that flow like a liquid but have some structure like a solid.

  • Their shape changes when an electric current is applied.

• They control light

  • When voltage is applied, liquid crystals change how they rotate light.

  • This blocks or allows light to pass through a screen.

• Used in displays

  • Found in digital watches, calculators, TVs, monitors, phones.

What is a smart material?

A smart material is one that reacts to an external stimulus or input. This means that it can alter its functional or aesthetic properties in response to a changing environment

Examples of smart materials?

1. Thermochromic pigments

2. Photochromic pigments

3. Shape memory alloys

What are thermochromic pigments? And uses?

.Pigments that react to a change in temperature

. Used in babies’ feeding spoons to indicate whether the food is too hot

What are Photochromic pigments?And uses?

.React to UV rays and create a colour change in the material where the pigment is located

.Used in colour changing novelty items (T-shirts, nail vanish..)

What are shape memory alloys?

A Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) is a metal that can be bent or stretched, but returns to its original shape when heated.

Uses of shape memory alloys?

Use	Why It's Useful
Dental braces/wires	Heat from the mouth returns wire to shape
Stents (medical)	Expand at body temperature inside arteries
Glasses frames	Can bend and spring back into shape
Thermostats / actuators	Move or switch at certain temperatures

How are composite materials formed?

Composite materials are formed when two or more distinctly different materials are combined together to make a new material with improved properties.

What is a composite material?

A material made by combining two or more materials to produce improved properties.

What are the two main parts of a composite material?

The matrix (binder) and the reinforcement (fibres or particles).

What is the role of the matrix in a composite?

It holds the composite together and transfers stress to the reinforcement.

What is the role of the reinforcement in a composite?

It strengthens the composite and gives it improved mechanical properties.

What is fibreglass made from?

Glass fibres and resin (a polymer).

What is fibreglass used for?

Helmets, boat hulls

What is a composite material?

A material made by combining two or more materials to produce improved properties.

What are the two main parts of a composite material?

The matrix (binder) and the reinforcement (fibres or particles).

What is the role of the matrix in a composite?

It holds the composite together and transfers stress to the reinforcement.

What is the role of the reinforcement in a composite?

It strengthens the composite and gives it improved mechanical properties.

What is fibreglass made from?

Glass fibres and resin (a polymer).

What is fibreglass used for?

Helmets, boat hulls, car bodies – it's strong and lightweight.

What is carbon fibre made from?

Carbon fibres and resin (a polymer).

What are the uses of carbon fibre?

Sports equipment, car parts, bikes – it's very strong and lighter than metal.

What is concrete made from?

Cement (binder), sand, and gravel (aggregate).

Why is concrete a good composite?

It is strong and durable – used in buildings and bridges.

What is plywood made from?

Layers of wood glued together with grains at different angles.

Why is plywood a useful composite?

It’s strong, flexible, and resists cracking – used in furniture and flooring.

Why are composite materials used?

They combine the best properties of their components to make a better material.

Give an example of a composite used in construction.

Concrete – strong and used for building and bridges.

Give an example of a lightweight composite.

Fibreglass – strong and light, used in sports and transport.

Do you need to know how composites are made for GCSE?

No – just what they are, examples, and their uses.

What is a technical textile?

A fabric designed for performance or function, not appearance.

What is the main purpose of technical textiles?

To enhance performance or provide a specific function.

Name industries that use technical textiles.

Medical, sports, construction, automotive, protective clothing.

What is Kevlar®?

A strong, lightweight, heat-resistant synthetic fibre.

What is Kevlar used for?

Bulletproof vests, motorcycle clothing, helmets.

What is Nomex®?

A fire-resistant textile.

What is Nomex used for?

Firefighter uniforms, racing suits.

What is Gore-Tex®?

A waterproof and breathable membrane.

What is Gore-Tex used for?

Outdoor wear, walking boots, rain jackets.

What are microfibres?

Very fine synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon.

What are microfibres used for?

Sportswear, cleaning cloths, breathable clothing.

What are conductive fabrics?

Textiles that contain electrically conductive fibres.

What are conductive fabrics used for?

Sensors, wearable tech, heated clothing.

What are fire-retardant fabrics?

Fabrics that resist ignition and burning.

What are fire-retardant fabrics used for?

Curtains, theatre backdrops, protective uniforms.

What are absorbent fabrics?

Fabrics designed to absorb and retain liquids.

What are absorbent fabrics used for?

Sportswear, medical dressings.

What are anti-bacterial textiles?

Fabrics treated to resist bacteria.

What are anti-bacterial textiles used for?

Medical textiles, socks, sports clothing.

Why are technical textiles important?

They improve safety, comfort, and performance.