smart materials

SMAs works?

changes shape in response to a change in temperature or electrical input. For example nitinol wire in dental braces changes in length in response to a change in temperature

SMAs uses

dental braces, self closing windows, aeroplane wing flaps, bioengineering such as stents, bone plates and screws

Thermochromic pigments work?

changes colour in response to temperature change

Thermochromic pigment uses

room thermometers, medical thermometers for children, bath water thermometers, colour changing mugs and kettles, food packaging to indicate food is hot to eat or cool for drinks, baby feeding spoons, battery charge indicator strips

Phosphorescent pigments works?

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

phosphorescent pigment uses

Fire exit signs, 'glow in the dark' products such as adhesive stars, masks, night lights, watch hands

photochromic pigment works?

changes colour with light intensity

photochromic pigment uses

Welding goggles, reactive spectacle lenses, security markers that show up under UV light

Electroluminescent wire works?

This copper wire coated in a phosphorescent material which glows in response to an alternating current

Electroluminescent wire uses

Glow bracelets, interweaving for clothing, home decoration, outdoor decorative lighting

piezoelectric material works?

gives off a small electric charge when deformed. increases in size (up to 4 percent) when an electrical current is passed through it

piezoelectric material uses

Airbag sensors in cars, lighters for barbecues, vibration damping in tennis, racquets, musical greeting cards, pressure sensors