GCSE+GP+Unit+1+Lesson+27+-+Smart+Materials

= Introduction = toc What is the function of this smart material? (show examples) Materials that can significantly change their mechanical properties (such as shape, stiffness, and viscosity), or their thermal, optical, or electromagnetic properties, in a predictable or controllable manner in response to their environment. Materials that perform sensing and actuating functions, including piezoelectrics, electrostrictors, magnetostrictors, and shape-memory alloys. Examples of smart materials used for graphic products and commercial packaging: = Task 1 = Examine the information above and work through this website below then complete the following worksheet media type="custom" key="5887657" = Task 2 = Which smart material best be suited for: = Task 3 = Download and complete the following worksheet: = Smart Materials = Polymorph is a thermoplastic material that can be shaped and reshaped any number of times. it is normally supplied as granules that look like small plastic beads. In the classroom it can be heated in hot water and when it reaches 62 degrees centigrade the granules form a mass of ‘clear’ material. When removed from the hot water it can be shaped into almost any form and on cooling it becomes as solid as a material such as nylon. Although expensive, polymorph is suitable for 3D modelling as it can be shaped by hand or pressed into a shape through the use of a mould. media type="custom" key="5892601"
 * polymorph
 * thermochromic liquid crystals/film
 * liquid crystal displays (LCDs)
 * electronics paper displays (EPDs) e-paper
 * transdermal prescription drug patches
 * A t-shirt that changes colour as the person wearing it gets hotter or colder
 * A cheap microphone
 * A cyclist’s safety jacket
 * Carling ‘drink when cold’ indicator
 * Polymorph**

Thermochromic Liquid Crystals (LCs) can be highly temperature sensitive, change to many colors, and are more expensive than leuco dyes. LC's start black below their temperature range, go through the colors of a rainbow, and then black again above the temperature range. LC's are reversible in that they can be used over and over again. The picture below shows an example of a liquid crystal sheet response to warming. media type="custom" key="5892627"
 * Thermochromic liquid crystals/film**

Electronic display device that operates by applying a varying electric voltage to a layer of liquid crystal, thereby inducing changes in its optical properties. LCDs are commonly used for portable electronic games, as viewfinders for digital cameras and camcorders, in video projection systems, for electronic billboards, as monitors for computers, and in flat-panel televisions.
 * Liquid crystal displays (LCDs)**

media type="custom" key="5898011" Here is a more in depth explanation, but you only need to know the above information.
 * **http://web.media.mit.edu/~stefan/liquid-crystals/node2.html**

media type="custom" key="5897883" An Electronic Paper Display is a display that possess a paper-like high contrast appearance, ultra-low power consumption, and a thin, light form. It gives the viewer the experience of reading from paper, while having the power of updatable information. EPDs are a technology enabled by electronic ink - ink that carries a charge enabling it to be updated through electronics. Electronic ink is ideally suited for EPDs as it is a reflective technology which requires no front or backlight, is viewable under a wide range of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, and requires no power to maintain an image.
 * Electronics paper displays (EPDs) e-paper**

A transdermal patch or skin patch is a medicated adhesive patch that is placed on the skin to deliver a specific dose of medication through the skin and into the bloodstream. Often, this promotes healing to an injured area of the body. An advantage of a transdermal drug delivery route over other types such as oral, topical, etc is that it provides a controlled release of the medicament into the patient. A disadvantage to development however, stems from the fact that the skin is a very effective barrier. A wide variety of pharmaceuticals can be delivered by transdermal patches. =media type="custom" key="5897977"= = Video Demonstrations = media type="custom" key="5887461" = Resources =
 * Transdermal prescription drug patches**
 * **@http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel/designerproducts/smartmaterialsrev1.shtml**
 * **@http://www.kre8.com/Y_07/Z_Headings@@@/Education/Materials/Smart_1_Materials.swf**
 * **@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_material**
 * **@http://www.designinsite.dk/htmsider/md950.htm**
 * **@http://www.yourdiscovery.com/technology/basic_materials/smart/index.shtml**
 * **@http://www.technologystudent.com/equip1/poly1.htm**
 * **@http://www.eink.com/technology/**
 * **[]**