Smart Materials

Question 1

Advantages of Electroluminescent Material

Answer 1

• can be found in the form of flexible films or thin panels
• flexible
• don’t generate heat
• increased reliability and durability

Question 2

Electroluminescent Material

Answer 2

Provides a visible light when exposed to an electrical current
- made of a thin copper wire coated in phosphor powder

Question 3

Uses of Electroluminescent Material

Answer 3

• mobile phones
• car dashboard displays
• watches
• signage

Question 4

Quantum Tunneling Composite

Answer 4

Flexible polymer which contains tiny (conductive) nickel particles
- when a force is applied, the particles come into contact with each other
- this allows it to become conductive

Question 5

Advantages of Quantum Tunneling Composite

Answer 5

• variable input can be applied
• compact

Question 6

Uses of Quantum Tunneling Composite

Answer 6

• mobile phones
• electric drills
• pressure sensors

Question 7

Shape Memory Alloys

Answer 7

Alloys that return to their original form when heated
- Nitinol

Question 8

Advantages of Shape Memory Alloys

Answer 8

• can be shaped and deformed

Question 9

Uses of Shape Memory Alloys

Answer 9

• medical fastenings
• dental implants (braces)

Question 10

Polymorph

Answer 10

Material that becomes soft and plaiable at low temperatures

Question 11

Advantages of Polymorph

Answer 11

• normally supplied as granules
• can be reshaped
• more readily recycled

Question 12

Uses of Polymorph

Answer 12

• ergonomic handles
• features on products

Question 13

Photochromic Pigment

Answer 13

Material that changes colour dependent on light intensity

Question 14

Uses of Photochromic Pigment

Answer 14

• sunglasses which become lighter/darker in response to UV radiation

Question 15

Thermochromic Pigment

Answer 15

Material that changes in response to a change in heat

Question 16

Advantages of Thermochromic Pigment

Answer 16

• can be manufactured to change at a specific temperature

Question 17

Uses of Thermochromic Pigment

Answer 17

• temperature indicator for infants

Question 18

Micro-Encapsulation

Answer 18

Process of applying microscopic capsules to fibres/fabrics

Question 19

Uses of Micro-Encapsulation

Answer 19

• medical dressings embedded with antiseptics
• sportswear with chemicals to prevent odour

Question 20

Biomimicry

Answer 20

Taking ideas and mimicking features from nature
- Fastskin developed by Speedo