new materials

Metal foam, graphene, titanium

New materials developed to have properties that are useful when designing and making products

Lightweight, high compressive strength, can absorb energy well. Used in body armour, prosthetics and soundproofing

High corrosive strength, high strength to density ration. Used in aircraft's , paint and sunscreen

Laminated material of two layers of glass with crystal core. Used in digital watches, flat screen tv

Increases strength in materials without adding weight. 1billionth of a metre. Used in sports equipment, surface coating

Slippery, un reactive. Used in clothing, surfaces of pans,

Degradable, renewable source, food safe. Used in disposable cutlery, food packaging

Shape memory alloys, thermochromic pigment, photochromic pigment

Materials with properties that change reversibly in response to change in surroundings.

Remember specific shape by heat or electric current. When bent out of shape will return to original shape. Used in glasses frames, orthodontic braces

Changes colour or opacity with temp. May transform from opaque to transparent. Used for test strips, t-shirts that change colour

Glow in the dark materials that respond to light. Absorb energy from natural sources and emit light into dark. Used in watch faces,toys,stickers

Changes colour or opacity with level of ultraviolet light. Used in spectacles, clothing

Glass reinforced plastic, carbon fibre reinforced plastic, concrete

Combines strands of glass fibre which are strong with a flexible polymer. Used to make hulks for yachts,car bodies

Good compressive strength, used for bridges, paths

High tensile strength, expensive, lightweight. Used in aerospace industry,motor racing

Gortex fabrics, Kevlar,conductive fabrics, fire resistant fabrics, microfibres

Textile materials and products that are manufactured for their technical performance rather than aesthetics characteristics

fabrics that have conductive fibres woven into them. Not good conductor. Used in fencing suits

Lightweight, fireproof,flexible. Used for nightwear, fire fighter suits

Strong, lightweight, does not melt. Used in bullet proof vests, helmets, table tennis bats

a waterproof fabric that is able to breath by letting water vapor pass through it. Used in trainers, walking boots

a tightly woven microfibre used as a lining fabric. Durable, breathable, thin. Used in sportswear,outdoor furnishings