topic 1 - smart materials

what are smart materials?

a material with at least one property that changes when its environment changes

is the change is smart materials reversible?

yes

what are thermochromic pigments?

dyes that change colour when there is a change in temperature

what are thermochromic pigments used in?

coloured thermometers and colour changing mugs

what are photochromic pigments?

dyes that change colour when there is a change in light intensity

what are photochromic pigments used in?

photochromic paint and react to light glasses

what are shape memory polymers?

plastic substances that go back to their original shape when heated

what are shape memory polymers used in?

car bumpers and medical sutures

what are shape memory alloys?

mixtures of different metals that go back to their original shape when heated

what are shape memory alloys used in?

glasses frames and surgical plates

what are hydrogels?

polymers that can absorb huge amounts of water

what are hydrogels used in?

nappies and artificial muscles