Smart And High Performance Materials Flashcards
About materials, their properties, examples of use and improvements on traditional materials (37 cards)
What are some properties of Zirconia?
It is: Low cost, Durable, Perfectly Clear and Looks like diamond
What is Zirconia used in?
Examples include: Abrasives (cutting blades) Refractory Material (used to bend light/lasers) Decoration (on teeth) Jewellery (like diamond)
Why is Zirconia used?
It is: Very hard Clear Colourless Can be cut into diamond shape
How is Zirconia is an improvement on traditional materials?
It is cheaper than Diamond
Is Zirconia a Smart or High Performance Material?
It is a high performance material
What is Zirconia?
A ceramic
What are properties of Electrochromic materials?
They change colour when electricity is applied
What are Electrochromic materials used in?
Examples include:
Smart windows,
Electrochromic mirrors and display devices
Why are Electrochromic materials used?
They are used for privacy in office windows, automatic tinting depending on the sun
Why are Electrochromic materials better than traditional materials?
Usually you have to choose the colour of a material and it can’t be changed easily
Are Electrochromic materials smart materials or high performance materials?
It is a smart material.
What are properties of a shape memory alloy?
They are bendable, and will return to its original shape if heated above a certain temperature
What are shape memory alloys used in?
They are used in sprinklers in fire alarm systems, glasses frames, and coffee machines
Why are Shape memory alloys used?
They are easy to shape and keeps the shape
Why are Shape memory alloys better than traditional materials?
Glasses frames would have to be re-bent by hand but now heat can be used
Are shape memory alloys smart or high performance materials
They are smart materials
What are properties of piezoelectric actuators?
When electricity is applied they change shape by a small amount. Can be stacked.
What are piezoelectric actuators used in?
They are used in controlling hydraulic valves, adjusting machining tools and some motors.
Why are piezoelectric actuators used?
They make very small and precise movements, and there are no motors and gears to go wrong.
Why are piezoelectric actuators better than traditional materials?
Easy to control pumps and valves. Small and controlled movement, unlike motors
Are piezoelectric actuators smart or high performance materials?
They are a smart material
What are some properties of nickel based super alloys?
They are
Lightweight
Strong at high temperatures
Corrosion resistant
What are nickel based super alloys used in?
Aircraft engine parts,
Power Station turbine parts
Casting dies
Why are nickel based super alloys used?
When spinning at high speed and temperatures, it won’t break even when wet
