Special materials
This collection of resources is aimed at those classes studying the smart & novel materials including nanotechnology. This list is aimed at Key Stage 4 students being of use for both GCSE and BTEC extended certificate courses
- ALL
- Article
- Activity sheet
- External link
Article
Using shape memory alloys
This article from Catalyst magazine can be used either for student or teacher reading and provides details of a specific use of SMA's setting their use in context.
Hydrogels - Water-Absorbing Polymers
This article from Catalyst magazine can be used either for student or teacher reading and provides details of a specific use of hydrogels setting their use in context. It also suggests two practical investigations using common hydrogels one with hair gel the other with disposable nappies
Activity sheet
Novel Materials and Smart Applications
This suite of resources when used in conjunction with smart materials from Mindsets makes a superb practical introduction to the properties of smart materials
External link
Gecko adhesive
First of a series of short engaging videos shows a Smart material that sticks and release on demand like the feet of a gecko. An adhesive pad varies stickiness depending of angle of the load.
Self healing coatings
The second of a series of short engaging videos shows a Smart material that heals. Used in battlefield to protect gas tanks from enemy fire.
Shape shifting materials
The third of a series of short engaging videos shows a Smart material that can change shape on demand. Examples include Warping aircraft wings. Artificial muscles, piezoelectric ceramics, Bio-engineering, nano technology and material science in medicine.
MR Fluids
This fourth video clip shows a Smart material designed to response to different conditions. A electronic controlled shock absorber using a magneto rheological fluid to change stiffness on demand.
Invisibility materials
This final video clips shows a Smart material that cloaks or is invisible to observers. A design of cloaking shield that lets microwave radiation go around an object.
