Design Technology - chapter 2

Smart materials

a material whose properties change in response to an external change in environment

Electroluminescent

a material that provides a visible light when exposed to a current

Quantum tunnelling composites

materials that change from insulators to conductors when under pressure

Micro-encapsulation

the process of applying microscopic capsules to fibres or fabrics

Biomimicry

taking ideas and mimicking features from nature

Composite

a material manufactured from a combination of two materials with desirable properties

Interactive textiles

fabrics that contain a device or circuit that responds and reacts with the user

Microfibres

tiny fibres about a hundred times thinner than a human hair

Phase-changing materials

encapsulated droplets on fibres and materials that change between liquid to solid form within a temperature range

Aramid synthetic fibre