Smart and Modern Materials

Smart materials respond to changes in their environment, such as temperature, pressure, electrical charge, or moisture. These changes can result in alterations in their properties, shape, or colour.
Modern materials are those that have emerged or been developed in recent years. These materials push the boundaries of what is possible, improving performance, functionality, and sustainability.

Shape-memory alloys (SMAs) remember their original shape and can revert to it when heated. Common applications include orthodontic wires and spectacle frames.
Piezoelectric materials generate an electrical charge when their shape is changed through pressure, making them useful for sensors and energy harvesting.
Thermochromic materials change colour with temperature shifts. They are used in thermometers, clothing, and mood rings.
Photochromic materials change colour in response to light intensity and are present in products like transitional eyeglass lenses.
Hydrogels swell or shrink due to changes in water content, and are frequently used in contact lenses, wound dressings, and drug delivery systems.

Kevlar is a heat-tolerant and strong synthetic fibre, often used in bulletproof vests, bicycle tyres, and racing sails.
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a 2D matrix, known for its exceptional strength, electrical conductivity, and elasticity.
Nanomaterials operate at a nanoscale, where properties differ significantly from larger scales, leading to applications in medicine, electronics, and energy production.
Bioplastics are made from renewable resources and are more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics, used in packaging and disposable products.

Both smart and modern materials offer potential solutions to many design and technological challenges.
Understanding the behaviour and response of smart materials under various conditions is crucial to their successful application.
Handling and processing of modern materials often require specialised and high-tech equipment.
The development and production of these materials can have significant costs, but the benefits they offer typically outweigh these costs.
Many smart and modern materials can offer environmental advantages, such as increased energy efficiency, less waste, or use of renewable resources.

Smart materials have a wide range of applications in areas like healthcare (e.g. insulin patches), construction (e.g. earthquake detection), and clothing (e.g. thermo-regulating fabrics).
Modern materials such as graphene are being used to create thinner, lighter, more energy-efficient electronic devices, while others like bioplastics are being used to reduce the environmental impact of disposable products.
Both types of materials are swiftly expanding into new industries and applications, often revolutionising traditional practices along the way.