Modern & Smart Materials

Modern Material

A MODERN MATERIAL is a material that has been designed for a specific purpose or

need.

Modern materials are those that are continually being developed through the invention of new or improved processes

Examples include:- • Teflon • Fibre Optics • Neoprene • Paperfoam • Cornstarch Polymers • Lyocell • Nano Technology • Synthetic micro fibres • Lycra blends • Polartec • Composite materials • Cellular materials • Carbon & Kevlar fibre • Maplex

Modern Materials

Helmet made from Carbon/Kevlar fibre

Fibre Optics Neoprene Laptop Cover

Mountain Boots made from Synthetic

Micro Fibres

Teflon film on Photovoltaic Units

Micro fibres • Extremely fine synthetic fibres,

mainly polyester and polyamide • They are very lightweight, • Soft and drape well • Used for a variety of clothing

products • Often blended with natural fibres

to give high performance fabrics for outdoor and sports use.

• TACTEL-is a polyamide microfibre • TENCEL-is a regenerated

mircofibre classed as LYOCELLS

Kevlar • heat-resistant and strong

• They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic rated body armour fabric and ballistic composites, in bicycle tires, and as an asbestos substitute

• good resistance to abrasion

• good resistance to organic solvents

• low flammability, no melting point, degradation starts from 500°C

Gortex • Waterproof breathable fabric is

engineered to handle two tasks simultaneously: repel precipitation and release perspiration vapor.

• Blocks wind • Only used with synthetics-

naturals absorb but the moisture can go back onto the skin

• Used in tents and waterproof walking gear.

• Wound care- creates a barrier that stop moisture going back onto the skin but allows the skin to breathe

Smart materials

A SMART MATERIAL is a material that reacts

and changes to the environment around

them.

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. Examples include:-

Thermochromic Materials

Shape memory alloys

Phosphorescent Materials Photochromic Materials

Polymorph

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

Smart: Thermochromic Materials

Colour Changing Kettles

Colour Changing Postage Stamps Battery Tester Heat Responsive Mugs

Thermometers

Heat Sensitive fabric

Thermochromic Ceramics

Smart: Photochromic Materials

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

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

Smart: Phosphorescent Materials

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.

Microencapsulation • A way to insert, fragrances,

antibacterial substances into fibres

• Capsules are broken through friction and release the scent, or chemical

• You can insert moisturisers into tights to condition the skin, or caffeine to prevent tired legs

• Facemasks at hospitals may have it in to prevent germs spreading, in fabric conditioners,

• Embedded into designer clothes

Micro encapsulated fibres are used in......?

Anti bacterial textiles

Phosphorescent textiles

What do you know?? Smart materials?

•Reflective finishes include reflective yarns, inks and coatings

Photochromatic dyes respond to changes in UV light

•Thermochromatic dyes respond to changes in temperature

Toy safety The CE Symbol • Toys must have this on them by law. It indicates

the toy meets the European Toy Safety Directive. This is aimed at Trading Standards and tells them the toy is allowed to be sold in Europe. It is less relevant to the average consumer and doesn’t necessarily indicate quality and safety for the consumer.

The Lion Mark • Developed by the British Toy and Hobby

Association as a symbol of toy safety and quality. It can only be used by members of the BTHA. This is a voluntary symbol.

Age Appropriate Labels • One of the principles of the Lion Mark scheme

is that toys are used by children of an appropriate age. This symbol indicates the toy is not suitable for a child under 3 e.g. because of a choke or suffocation hazard.

The Kitemark • Some toys also carry the British Standards

Institute Kitemark. This indicates the toy has been independently tested and complies with BS EN 71.

Toy safety tests

• Click on the pictures to the left to watch videos that show how toys are tested for safety.

Task

• On your final design idea, add in a safety label showing the relevant information symbols

• Add two smart materials to your product

– Give reasons for your choice

• Add a chemical finish to your product

– Give reasons for your choice