71468
Description
Flashcards by Alec Stevens, updated more than 1 year ago
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Created by Alec Stevens
over 11 years ago
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| Question | Answer |
| Photochromic Paint | Paint which contains pigments that change colour according to light conditions. In one situation they are one colour, but if sunlight or UV etc falls on them, there is an immediate and sometimes dramatic change in pigment. The effect reverses when the stimulus is removed. Photochromic pigments can be mixed with base paints. Used in security markers or UV warning sensors. |
| Quantum Tunnelling Composites (QTCs) | In a relaxed state, QTCs are near perfect insulators, but when stretched, compressed or twisted it becomes a conductor and allows current, even very high ones, to flow. The greater the stress applied, the greater a conductor it becomes. Can endure high temperatures and pressures. Can be made very thin or into whatever shape is necessary. Cheaper to produce than individual electronic switch components. Range of uses from normal switches, to smartphones, to robots. Could even be utilised linking clothing to electronics. |
| Shape Memory Alloys | A material which can be deformed, having been given an external stimulus, which will revert to its original state when the stimulus is removed. Heat, light and pressure are all possible stimuli. Most common SMA is nitinol - an alloy of nickel and titanium. Nitinol is programmed to maintain a particular shape at a set temperature. If the temperature is raised the Nitinol will contract or bend and remain in this state until the heat source is removed. This can be repeated millions of times. Relatively expensive to produce and more difficult to machine than traditional materials. Not as strong as traditional materials. Used in glasses, fire alarms, hot water/central heating systems. |
| Reactive Glass | Different to photochromic! Reactive glass requires an external stimulus to make it turn from clear to dark. E.g. voltage applied across glass. Used in smart welding masks which turn dark when bright arc appears. Glass panels which can become opaque at the touch of a button. |
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