Smart and Modern Materials – what you need to know 1. Including polymorph, thermochromic inks pigments and films, photochromic inks and pigments, phosphorent pigments, fluorescent pigments and the response of these materials to external factors and their suitability for different situations. 2. Other smart and modern materials as they become available. 3. Be aware of developments in nanotechnology as they emerge, for example NanoComposites, NanoCrystals, NanoClays, NanoStructured materials, NanoParticles and NanoTubes and how they are used in products such as glues, packaging, paints, coatings, displays and fabrics.

Smart Materials Definition – they sense conditions in their environment and respond to these conditions. They appear to think and have a memory as they will revert back to their original state time and time again. Know that some smart materials respond to changes in temperature, light or applied voltage.

Modern Materials Modern materials are developed through the invention or creation of new or improved processes. Many modern materials are developed for specialised applications, such as space exploration, but some eventually become available for general use.

Thermochromic colours Change colour in response to a temperature change. Colour disappears above 27degress and reappears below that. Thermochromatic pigments are supplied in paste form and can be mixed with any type of acrylic paint. At normal room temperature the pigment shows its usual colour, but when heated above 27°C the colour changes to black. When the temperature falls below 27° C again the colour reappears.acrylic Thermocolour sheet is a sheet material printed with thermochromic liquid - that is, one that changes colour as the temperature changes.

Smart grease – a gel that can be used to slow mechanical systems to provide smooth movement. Smart images – thin polyester films with emobossed holographic-effect metal foils often giving a three dimensional effect. Seen on packaging, credit cards and point of sale displays. Smart wire – is an engineered alloy that changes length or shape in response to a temperature change. Used to activate small mechanisms.

Phosphorescent pigments – store light energy from natural/artificial light and provide a unique afterglow (glow in the dark) For example if the numbers on a watch face are printed in phosphorescent pigment they will be visible at night. Also commonly used for safety signs. Phosphorescent pigments are pigments which glow in the dark, first absorbing light and then emitting it after the light source has been removed. Photochromic inks – colours change in response to a change in the level of light. For example a message printed onto a T-shirt in photochromic colours will appear in the strong sunlight and disappear once the person has moved into the shade. Photochromic colours have many novelty applications.

 Polymorph is a plastic that becomes mouldable at 62°C. It can be used for product-modelling, especially where curved shapes are involved (for example handles), and for making simple moulds for vacuum-forming.product-modellingvacuum-forming

Treated papers are available for computer printers, especially for ink-jet printers. They absorb the ink and generate crisp colour reproduction. Thermochromatic pigments are supplied in paste form and can be mixed with any type of acrylic paint. At normal room temperature the pigment shows its usual colour, but when heated above 27°C the colour changes to black. When the temperature falls below 27° C again the colour reappears. Phosphorescent pigments are pigments which glow in the dark, first absorbing light and then emitting it after the light source has been removed. Thermocolour sheet is a sheet material printed with thermochromic liquid - that is, one that changes colour as the temperature changes. Polymorph is a plastic that becomes mouldable at 62°C. It can be used for product-modelling, especially where curved shapes are involved (for example handles), and for making simple moulds for vacuum-forming. High-density modelling foam is a foam-based material that is available in blocks. It can be shaped easily using hand and machine tools and takes fine detail well. It is often used on CNC milling machines.

Nanotechnology The science of the extremely small – involves the study and use of materials on a very small scale. Nano refers to nanometre (nm) one nanometre is a millionth of a millimetre At such a small scale materials can behave very differently. Nanomaterials can be stronger, lighter or conduct heat or electricity in a different way. They can even change colour. Nanotechnology is used for computer chips, healthcare products, mobile phones. Nanoparticles include tiny crystals (nanocrystals) and tiny tubes (carbon nanotubes) Example – nanostructured copper is much harder and more rigid than ordinary copper. Anti vandal paint is produced with nanotechnology so other paint can not stick on top. Packaging materials can be made where the minute gaps in the products structure are filled in with incredibly tiny bits of clay (nanoclays) to make it extra airtight to keep food and drink fresher for longer. Some people are concerned about safety as nanotechnology is so new and we don’t yet know what the risks are. Look up nanotechnology on the internet.