Compliant, Composite and Smarty Materials

Compliant materials are designed to bend under specific conditions and return to their original state when those conditions are removed.
They have applications in areas such as orthodontics for braces and retainers, where the materials must constantly adjust to the changing form of the teeth.
The aerospace industry also utilises compliant materials in the design of aircraft wings to improve efficiency by reducing drag and increasing lift.
Examples of compliant materials include shape-memory alloys and various forms of plastics.

Composite materials are made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, that when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components.
The most common example is fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs), typically made from a polymer matrix reinforced with a fibre such as glass or carbon.
These materials are favoured for their high strength-to-weight ratios, making them suitable for use in the aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries.
Composite materials can also have superior impact resistance, better thermal properties, and improved tensile strength compared to traditional materials.

Smarty materials, also known as smart or intelligent materials, react to changes in their environment, such as temperature, light, pressure, and electricity, etc.
Shape-memory alloys (SMAs) are a commonly used smarty material that return to their original shape when heated.
Electroluminescent materials emit light in response to an electric current, creating potential for usage in safety clothing and signage.
Piezoelectric materials generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress, which has applications in sensors and transducers.
Thermochromic materials change colour according to temperature, offering potential application in safety devices.
Designers utilise smarty materials to create innovative and dynamic products that interact with their environment.