‘Smart’ and Modern Materials
(a) Know that some ‘Smart’ materials respond in a certain way to changes in temperature,
light, or pressure:
• shape memory alloy used to give mechanical movement when a set
temperature is reached;
• low temperature setting plastic can be moulded or reshaped using hot
water.
(b) Know how materials can be combined and processed to create more useful properties: (COMPOSITE MATERIALS)
• use of modern materials in traditional applications including the use of carbon fibre in
fishing rods and kevlar in safety protection helmets;
• use of closed cell foams (Plastazote).
(c) Be aware of other ‘Smart’ and modern materials as they become commercially available.