1. Aims: To recognise ‘Smart’ Materials
To recognise uses for ‘Smart’ Materials
‘Chromic’ = Colour
‘USP’ = Unique Selling Point
‘Smart Material’ = A material that responds to a stimulus like heat or light, and then returns to its original state when the stimulus is removed.

2. Thermochromic Materials
Thermochromic ink changes colour according to the temperature of the surface it is bring tested on.
Can you think of a use for THERMOCHROMIC inks?
Click to see Video

3. Photochromic Materials
Photochromic inks change colour depending on the amount of LIGHT hitting the surface.
Can you think of a use for PHOTOCHROMIC inks?
Click to see Video

4. Electrochromic Materials
Electrochromic inks are inks that change colour according to varying electrical inputs. The input can be VERY small but the change in colour can be VERY dramatic.
Can you think of a use for ELECTROCHROMIC inks?
Click to see Video

5. Hydrochromic Materials
Hydrochromic inks change colour according to the amount of water they detect.
Can you think of a use for HYDROCHROMIC inks?
Click to see video

6. Phosphorescent Materials
Phosphorescent inks are able to absorb light during the day and then glow at night.
Can you think of a use for PHOSPHORESCENT inks?
Click to see Video

7. Smart & Modern Materials
Lesson Objectives: To understand the properties of a range of smart & modern materials
Smart & Modern Materials
Polymorph (Polycaprolactone-PCL)
QTC (Quantum Tunnelling Composite)
Thermochromic Sheet
UV Beads (UV pigment)
Aroma Pigments
Phosphorescent Sheet
Keywords: Polymorph, QTC, Thermochromic, Phosphorescent, UV, Aroma

8. Smart & Modern Materials
A question of……
Smart & Modern Materials
G Postings

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10. What is meant by the term smart material?
Question
What is meant by the term smart material?
Answer
A material which reacts and changes their properties in response to an input
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11. What is the difference between a smart & modern material?
Question
What is the difference between a smart & modern material?
Answer
Modern materials do not change their properties regardless of an input
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12. What input is needed to see a colour change from Thermochromic Sheet?
Question
What input is needed to see a colour change from Thermochromic Sheet?
Answer
Heat is required to cause a change in colour.
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13. Question
What input is required to release the scent from the aroma pigment?
Answer
The paint needs friction on the surface, e.g.. being scratched.
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14. Question
What smart material is used to make this control panel work on the jacket?
Answer
Quantum Tunnelling Composite
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15. Question
What smart material is used on this “glow in the dark” sign?
Answer
Phosphorescent sheet.
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16. Question
What smart material has been used to indicate the temperature of these kettles?
Answer
Thermochromic materials
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17. Question
Polycaprolactone or PCL is more commonly known by it’s brand name which is?
Answer
Polymorph
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18. Question
What do the 2 halves of the word poly-morph relate to?
Answer
Poly – Polymer (Plastic)
Morph – to transform or shape
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19. Question
“Scratch and sniff” products are made using what smart material?
Answer
Aroma pigments
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20. Question
How do bank note checkers work?
Answer
The UV light shows up the UV pigments printed onto the genuine notes
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21. Question
Which plastic category does polymorph go into?
Answer
Its a thermoplastic, is can be reheated and reshaped again
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22. THERE ARE 5 MAIN SMART MATERIALS USED IN GRAPHIC PRODUCTS!
Summary
Designers can use SMART materials to help them achieve a unique selling point (USP), often making their design better than their competitors.
THERE ARE 5 MAIN SMART MATERIALS USED IN GRAPHIC PRODUCTS!
Thermochromic Materials
Photochromic Materials
Phosphorescent Materials
Electrochromic Materials
Hydrochromic Materials