Smart Materials Smart materials have one or more properties/features that can respond to external stimuli, such as stress, light, temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic fields and return to there original state when the stimuli is removed.

Thermochromic Materials

Shape memory alloys

Phosphorescent Materials

Photochromic Materials

Polymorph

Durable Sustainable Lightweight Affordable

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette uses a

lightweight heat-activated shape

memory alloy wire in place of a

heavier motorised part to open the vent that allows the trunk lid to

close more easily.

Potential applications as, e.g. self-adjusting orthodontic wires, selectively pliable tools for small scale surgical

procedures, implants (minimally invasive, through small incisions or natural orifices, implantation of a device in

its small temporary shape).

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Thermochromic liquid crystals can be incorporated into special ink and printed onto different surfaces such as plastic, paper, textiles and ceramics. They respond to heat by changing colour at specific temperatures. Thermo = Heat, Chromic = Colour

Examples include:- •Kettles •Thermometers •Battery Testers •Heat Sensitive Ceramics •Heat Sensitive Paper •Clothing

Colour Changing Kettles

Colour Changing Postage Stamps Battery Tester Heat Responsive Mugs

Thermometers

Heat Sensitive fabric

Thermochromic Ceramics

Photochromic pigments reacts to bright light (Ultra Violet).

This T-shirt uses Photochromic inks for decoration purposes. Special pigments change colour when exposed to solar light and reverse back to clear when the light source is removed.

Photochromic lenses are light sensitive lenses that darken on exposure to U V light, protecting

the user’s eyes from harmful radiation.

Bike helmet with a Photochromic Safety Visor

Stickers used in a shower room that

changed colour and revealed a

decorative pattern. The bathroom

looked white again as soon as the walls were dry.

Phosphorescent pigments have been applied to fabric which glow in the dark.

A cordless glow in the dark lamp made from a phosphorescent light bulb embedded in a block of acrylic. It

is very energy efficient as it requires no electricity. Phosphorescent pigments absorb light during the day and

then glow at night.

Phosphorescent plastic used in children‘s bedrooms captures light energy and releases it slowly, glowing in the dark.

Phosphorescent inks enable us to see clocks, watches and signs in the dark.