SMART MATERIALS:
Smart materials are materials that are manipulated to respond in a controllable and reversible way, modifying some of their properties as a result of external stimuli such as certain mechanical stress or a certain temperature, among others.
KEY TECHNOLOGIES:
Among them, the following should be highlighted:
- Piezoelectric materials. They can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. …
- Shape memory materials. …
- Chromoactive materials. …
- Magnetorheological materials. …
- Photoactive materials.
ADVANTAGES:
Smart materials can be used in different types of industries, such as the electronics and construction industries. Some of the most popular smart materials have heat-resistant, self-curing and self-assembling properties. These materials can be used to manufacture strong, efficient and sustainable products.
DISADVANTAGES:
Smart materials made of polymers are lightweight and have good elasticity as well as high transparency but they also have several disadvantages such as weak mechanical strength, a long response time, and terrible environmental stability.
USES OF SMART MATERIALS:
Their use can be found in aircraft structures, such as carbon fiber materials to increase the strength of the structure while reducing its weight. Coatings such as ceramics, are particularly effective in protecting aircraft from heat and solar radiation.
HOW IT WORKS?
Smart materials are materials that are manipulated to respond in a controllable and reversible way, modifying some of their properties as a result of external stimuli such as certain mechanical stress or a certain temperature, among others.
