1. Developments in New Materials
Modern Materials
Graphene
Graphene:: a single layer of carbon atoms
Properties of graphene:: transparent, strong, light, excellent conductor
Uses of graphene:: protective equipment/clothing, mixed with paint to prevent corrosion, ideal for solar cells
Metal foams
Metal foams:: metals injected with air whilst liquid
Properties of metal foams:: lightweight, strong under compression, low thermal conductivity
Uses of metal foams:: prosthetics, soundproofing, crash protection in vehicles
Titanium
Titanium:: metal that has historically been hard to process
Properties of titanium:: high strength to weight ratio, resistant to corrosion, tolerant of high temperature
Uses of titanium:: prosthetics, ideal for use in aviation and spacecraft, useful in alloys
Other modern materials
Coated metals: metals are improved by adding a layer of another metal
Liquid crystal displays: flat panel screens that use liquid crystals and light to create an image
Nanomaterials: materials containing particles less that 100 nanometres, which have a higher surface area to volume ratio.
Smart Materials
Smart materials:: materials which react tot external stimuli.
Shape memory alloys
Shape memory alloys:: metal alloys which can return to their original shape after being deformed.
Returning shape can be done through heating or applying an electrical current.
Thermochromic pigments
Thermochromic pigments:: materials which change colour in response to temperature.
Changing colour can be done using liquid crystals.
Photochromic pigments
Photochromic pigment:: materials which change colour in response to light levels.
Photochromic pigment is often used in glasses.
Composite Materials
Composite materials:: materials made from two or more materials, often ones with contrasting properties. Combining these can lead to new and improved materials.
Glass reinforced plastic
Glass reinforced plastic:: combines glass and plastic to make a strong and lightweight material used in boats and cars.
Carbon reinforced plastic
Carbon reinforced plastic:: combines carbon fibres and plastic to make a material stronger and lighter than GRP, but more expensive and brittle.
Technical Textiles
Textiles manufactured for functionality over aesthetics.
Kevlar
Kevlar:: a strong synthetic textile with a high strength to weight ratio, often used in armour.
Conductive textiles
Conductive textiles:: textiles with metal fibres spun into them to make them conduct electricity
Fire-resistant fabrics
Fire-resistant textiles:: textiles that have flame resistance built into their chemical structures, like Nomex.
Microfibres
Microfibres:: textiles made of extremely fine synthetic fibres, which are breathable and durable.
Microencapsulation means microfibres can incorporate scents, oils, of insecticides.
Microfibres are often used in sportswear.
1. Developments in New Materials
Modern Materials
Graphene
Graphene:: a single layer of carbon atoms
Properties of graphene:: transparent, strong, light, excellent conductor
Uses of graphene:: protective equipment/clothing, mixed with paint to prevent corrosion, ideal for solar cells
Metal foams
Metal foams:: metals injected with air whilst liquid
Properties of metal foams:: lightweight, strong under compression, low thermal conductivity
Uses of metal foams:: prosthetics, soundproofing, crash protection in vehicles
Titanium
Titanium:: metal that has historically been hard to process
Properties of titanium:: high strength to weight ratio, resistant to corrosion, tolerant of high temperature
Uses of titanium:: prosthetics, ideal for use in aviation and spacecraft, useful in alloys
Other modern materials
Coated metals: metals are improved by adding a layer of another metal
Liquid crystal displays: flat panel screens that use liquid crystals and light to create an image
Nanomaterials: materials containing particles less that 100 nanometres, which have a higher surface area to volume ratio.
Smart Materials
Smart materials:: materials which react tot external stimuli.
Shape memory alloys
Shape memory alloys:: metal alloys which can return to their original shape after being deformed.
Returning shape can be done through heating or applying an electrical current.
Thermochromic pigments
Thermochromic pigments:: materials which change colour in response to temperature.
Changing colour can be done using liquid crystals.
Photochromic pigments
Photochromic pigment:: materials which change colour in response to light levels.
Photochromic pigment is often used in glasses.
Composite Materials
Composite materials:: materials made from two or more materials, often ones with contrasting properties. Combining these can lead to new and improved materials.
Glass reinforced plastic
Glass reinforced plastic:: combines glass and plastic to make a strong and lightweight material used in boats and cars.
Carbon reinforced plastic
Carbon reinforced plastic:: combines carbon fibres and plastic to make a material stronger and lighter than GRP, but more expensive and brittle.
Technical Textiles
Textiles manufactured for functionality over aesthetics.
Kevlar
Kevlar:: a strong synthetic textile with a high strength to weight ratio, often used in armour.
Conductive textiles
Conductive textiles:: textiles with metal fibres spun into them to make them conduct electricity
Fire-resistant fabrics
Fire-resistant textiles:: textiles that have flame resistance built into their chemical structures, like Nomex.
Microfibres
Microfibres:: textiles made of extremely fine synthetic fibres, which are breathable and durable.
Microencapsulation means microfibres can incorporate scents, oils, of insecticides.
Microfibres are often used in sportswear.