Technical Principles - Smart Materials

A material that changes its physical properties in response to a stimulus.

A material that when heated or a current is put through it, will return to its original shape. E.g. Braces, glasses frames. Materials include Nitinol.

• SMAs like Nitinol

• Thermochromic Pigment

• Phophorescent Pigment

• Photochromic Pigment

• Electroluminescent wire

• Piezoelectric material

Changes colour in response to temperature. E.g. Children’s bath toys.

Absorbs light during the day and ‘re-emits’ the light energy when it gets dark. E.g. Fire exit signs

Changes colour depending on light intensity. E.g. Welding Goggles

A copper wire that glows when an AC is applied to it. E.g. Glow Bracelets

Gives off a small electric charge when deformed. E.g. Airbag sensors in cars.