9. Smart Materials

Biomimicry

The design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modelled on biological entities and processes

Smart Material

A material with a property that changes with a change in conditions. E.g. light

Ergonomics

They study of how humans interact with products and environments

Prototype

A working model used to test a design concept

Modern Material

Material designed and engineered to have enhanced properties

Polymorph

Polymer that can be shaped with heat, good to make a prototype of ergonomic products, such as cutlery handle

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)

Mixture of metals which respond to changes in temperature. E.g. Nitinol - braces

Thermochromic pigments

Pigments, added to products, that change colour in response to heat

Photocromic

Materials that change colour in response to changes in light levels. E.g. sunglasses

Nanomaterials

Materials manufactured at the molecular level to provide specific properties

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Stent

Mesh tube inserted into damaged blood vessel to strengthen. Expands using patient's body heat