Emerging technologies and materials

Emerging technologies and materials

Emerging Technologies

Smart Materials

• Smart materials have properties that can be significantly changed in a controlled fashion by external stimuli, such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, etc. Memory metals and piezoelectric materials are examples.

• The use of such materials in design practice can lead to innovative solutions with the capability of adapting to changing conditions.

Nanotechnology

• Nanotechnology involves manipulating matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. It has the potential to significantly alter the properties of materials, yielding stronger, lighter, or more durable results.

• Applications range from electronics, medicine, energy production, and material science to underpin the creation of novel, more efficient designs.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are reshaping the design process by automating the generation of design alternatives, enhancing user interactions, and refining manufacturing processes.

• AI can be utilised to streamline operations, increase productivity, or enhance the user interface of a product design.

Emerging Materials

Biodegradable Polymers

• Biodegradable polymers, such as Polylactic acid (PLA), decompose naturally in the environment, presenting a more sustainable option for product design in alignment with the growing environmental consciousness.

• These can be used in a wide range of applications, including packaging, lakeware, pavements, films, and medical devices.

Graphene

• Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It’s renowned for its strength, lightness, and conductivity.

• This ‘wonder material’ holds the potential for high-tech applications in the realms of electronics, energy storage, sensors, and beyond.

Self-healing Materials

• Inspired by biological systems, self-healing materials can repair damages caused by wear and tear automatically, improving the longevity of products and reducing maintenance efforts.

• These materials can be utilised in a variety of fields such as construction, electronics, and even fashion.

Biomimicry

• Biomimicry involves emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies in design. From bullet trains modeled after kingfisher beaks, to solar cells designed like leaves, the possibilities are endless.

• Using biomimicry can foster the development of designs that are sustainable, efficient, and beneficial to humans and the environment.