Composite, Modern and Smart Materials

CFRP

Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer, lightweight, corrosion resistant, tough, hard, bike frame, tennis racquets, helmets

GRP

Glass Reinforced Polymer, lightweight, corrosion resistant, tough, hard, good compressive strength, boat hulls, kayak shells

Fibre Cement

Cement powder, sand, aggregates and fibres mixed with water, tough, lighter than reinforced concrete, suspended floors, cladding, roofing

Cermets

Metal particles and ceramics, hard, tough, corrosion and high temp resistance, cutting tools, drill bits, knives

Concrete

Cement powder, sand & aggregates mixed with water, high compressive strength, low tensile strength, pathways, foundations, blocks

Reinforced concrete

Concrete with steel rods (rebar), high compressive and tensile strength, fire resistant, buildings, bridges, floors

Aluminium Composite Board

Aluminium sheets with a polyethylene core, lightweight, rigid, tough, malleable, soundproofing, signage

Glulam

Glued laminated timber, good aesthetics, natural, lighter alternative to reinforced concrete, fire resistant, stable, beams, bridges, domes, arches, decking, roof beams

Smart Material

Material which changes its physical properties in response to a change in its environment

Modern Material

A material recently developed due to new or improved manufacturing processes

Composite Material

A combination of two or more materials, resulting in a material with enhanced properties

SMA

Shape Memory Alloy, can be bent and twisted out of shape, will return to its original shape when heated, dental braces, bone plates, locking mechanisms

Thermochromic pigment

Changes colour depending on its temperature, thermometers, mugs, food packaging, baby feeding spoons, battery charge indicator strips

Photochromic Pigment

Changes colour reversibly when subjected to a change in light intensity, welding goggles, motorbike visors, UV indicators, security markers

Phosphorescent Pigment

Absorb light energy during the day, re-emits it at night, glow in the dark materials, watch hands, fire exit signs

Electroluminescent wire and sheets

Emits light energy when A.C flows through material, decorative lighting and signage, watch faces, jewellery wire

Piezoelectric Material

Convert mechanical movement into electrical charge, air bag sensors, vibration dampening, pressure sensors

Kevlar

Aramid fibres, high cut and heat resistance, body armour, cut-proof clothing, puncture-proof tyres

PMC

Precious Metal Clay, made of fine metal particles, easily moulded and shaped, jewellery, small sculptures, pendants

HDMF

High Density Modelling Foam, lightweight, easy to shape and cut, sands easily, 3D CNC routering, modelling, prototypes

Polymorph

Thermoplastic which becomes soft and mouldable at 60 degrees and solidifies at room temperature, modelling, ergonomic handles, prototype mechanical parts