smart materials

What are Smart Materials?

Materials that respond to the Environment

Quantum tunnelling composite

WHAT: can conduct or insulate electricity

MADE FROM: Conductive Nickel particles

USED IN: Variable speed controllers, membrane switches, mobile phones and pressure sensors

How do Smart Materials react in different environments

Heat: they can change colour

Shape memory alloys (SMAs)

WHAT: manipulated into different forms and can return to original shape if heated

MADE FROM: Nitinol - Alloy metal of titanium and nickel

USED IN : Medical application such as fastenings used in bone fractures and dental implants.

Polymorph

WHAT: Thermoforming polymer heated in water at 62 degrees can become soft & moldable & pliable at a low temperature

MADE FROM: Polymer (found in a granular form)

USED IN: Versatile modelling material e.g. when modelling ergonomic features

Electroluminescent (Smart material)

WHAT: Provide visible light when exposed to electrical current

MADE FROM: Copper wire core coated in phosphor powder

USED IN: mobile phones,lights

Photochromic Pigment

WHAT: They change colour in response to light intensity

MADE FROM: Embedded silver chloride (AgCl) or silver halide in microcrystalline form

USED IN: glasses with colour changing lenses

Thermochromic pigment

lights