Modern & Smart Materials
Modern Material A MODERN MATERIAL is a material that has been designed for a specific purpose or need.
Modern Materials Modern materials are those that are continually being developed through the invention of new or improved processes Examples include:- Teflon Fibre Optics Neoprene Paperfoam Cornstarch Polymers Lyocell Nano Technology Synthetic micro fibres Lycra blends Polartec Composite materials Cellular materials Carbon & Kevlar fibre Maplex Mountain Boots made from Synthetic Micro Fibres Neoprene Laptop Cover Teflon film on Photovoltaic Units Fibre Optics Helmet made from Carbon/Kevlar fibre
Micro fibres Extremely fine synthetic fibres, mainly polyester and polyamide They are very lightweight, Soft and drape well Used for a variety of clothing products Often blended with natural fibres to give high performance fabrics for outdoor and sports use. TACTEL-is a polyamide microfibre TENCEL-is a regenerated mircofibre classed as LYOCELLS
Kevlar heat-resistant and strong They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic rated body armour fabric and ballistic composites, in bicycle tires, and as an asbestos substitute good resistance to abrasion good resistance to organic solvents low flammability, no melting point, degradation starts from 500 C
Gortex Waterproof breathable fabric is engineered to handle two tasks simultaneously: repel precipitation and release perspiration vapor. Blocks wind Only used with syntheticsnaturals absorb but the moisture can go back onto the skin Used in tents and waterproof walking gear. Wound care- creates a barrier that stop moisture going back onto the skin but allows the skin to breathe
Smart materials A SMART MATERIAL is a material that reacts and changes to the environment around them.
Smart Materials Smart materials have one or more properties/features that can respond to external stimuli, such as stress, light, temperature, moisture, ph, electric or magnetic fields and return to there original state when the stimuli is removed. Examples include:- Polymorph Shape memory alloys Photochromic Materials Phosphorescent Materials Thermochromic Materials
Smart: Thermochromic Materials Thermochromic liquid crystals can be incorporated into special ink and printed onto different surfaces such as plastic, paper, textiles and ceramics. They respond to heat by changing colour at specific temperatures. Thermo = Heat, Chromic = Colour Examples include:- Kettles Thermometers Battery Testers Heat Sensitive Ceramics Heat Sensitive Paper Clothing Heat Sensitive fabric Thermochromic Ceramics Thermometers Colour Changing Kettles Colour Changing Postage Stamps Battery Tester Heat Responsive Mugs
Smart: Photochromic Materials Photochromic pigments reacts to bright light (Ultra Violet). Photochromic lenses are light sensitive lenses that darken on exposure to U V light, protecting the user s eyes from harmful radiation. This T-shirt uses Photochromic inks for decoration purposes. Special pigments change colour when exposed to solar light and reverse back to clear when the light source is removed. Bike helmet with a Photochromic Safety Visor
Smart: Phosphorescent Materials Phosphorescent pigments have been applied to fabric which glow in the dark. A cordless glow in the dark lamp made from a phosphorescent light bulb embedded in a block of acrylic. It is very energy efficient as it requires no electricity. Phosphorescent pigments absorb light during the day and then glow at night. Phosphorescent plastic used in children s bedrooms captures light energy and releases it slowly, glowing in the dark. Phosphorescent inks enable us to see clocks, watches and signs in the dark.
Microencapsulation A way to insert, fragrances, antibacterial substances into fibres Capsules are broken through friction and release the scent, or chemical You can insert moisturisers into tights to condition the skin, or caffeine to prevent tired legs Facemasks at hospitals may have it in to prevent germs spreading, in fabric conditioners, Embedded into designer clothes
What do you know?? Smart materials? Micro encapsulated fibres are used in...? Anti bacterial textiles Phosphorescent textiles
Photochromatic dyes respond to changes in UV light Thermochromatic dyes respond to changes in temperature Reflective finishes include reflective yarns, inks and coatings
Toy safety The CE Symbol Toys must have this on them by law. It indicates the toy meets the European Toy Safety Directive. This is aimed at Trading Standards and tells them the toy is allowed to be sold in Europe. It is less relevant to the average consumer and doesn t necessarily indicate quality and safety for the consumer. The Lion Mark Developed by the British Toy and Hobby Association as a symbol of toy safety and quality. It can only be used by members of the BTHA. This is a voluntary symbol. Age Appropriate Labels One of the principles of the Lion Mark scheme is that toys are used by children of an appropriate age. This symbol indicates the toy is not suitable for a child under 3 e.g. because of a choke or suffocation hazard. The Kitemark Some toys also carry the British Standards Institute Kitemark. This indicates the toy has been independently tested and complies with BS EN 71.
Toy safety tests Click on the pictures to the left to watch videos that show how toys are tested for safety.
Task On your final design idea, add in a safety label showing the relevant information symbols Add two smart materials to your product Give reasons for your choice Add a chemical finish to your product Give reasons for your choice