Thermochromic-
-changes colour depending on termperature
-Can be printed on different surfaces like paper, plastic, ceramics or textiles.
-Can be used as thermometers put on foreheads to meeasure temperature-changes colour according to temperature.
Photochromic-
-Changes colour depending on the amount of light.
-Commonly used for light sensitive glasses which turn into sunglasses in the sun.
Hydrochromic-
-Changes colour according to the amount of water available
-Detectors in plant pots-tell you when to water the plants.
Electrochromic-
-reacts to electrical inputs.
-Car rear-view mirrors darken when bright lights are detected and the glare is reduced.
Phosperent- -Absorbs light during the day then glows at night.
-Fire exit sign, watches
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Modern Materials-1
Cornstarch polymers
replace oil-based thermoplastics, is made from potatoes, corn and maize etc, high in starch content-biodegradeable. Used for food packaging.
replaces polyethene film used in farms, to cover crops with clear polymer made from amize-it can be put into the soil afterwards to improve it.
starch polymers however don't have the hard-wearing properties of oil-based ones yet.
Paperfoam
made from a combination of starch-based polymers and simple (even recycled) paper fibres
scratch-resistant, moulded to make inserts for protection and to secure contents.
fully biodegradeable, can be coloured with vegetable dyes. Weighs less than the equivalent oil-based plastic, which saves on transport and emmissions. For CD and DVD case inserts.
Lyocell
high strength paper fibre produced from wood pulp, totally biodegradeable within 8 days if in damp conditions. Evironmentally-friendly modern material.
Used to make the paper for tea-bags, coffee filters and strong envelopes.
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Modern Materials-2
Polymorph-
special plastic used for modelling in technology-stays hard and white at room temperature until 60 degrees celsius, where it is moulded easily like plasticine.
However, it is very hard at room temp., ideal for making complex models/prototypes, and can be machined with great accuracy. Used for torches and computer games consoles.
PMC-
Precious metal clays-99.9% metal (gold or silver), 0,01% clay-it can be shaped at room temperature. It is heated carefully until the metal melts.
Very expensive, mainly for jewellery designers.
Nano technology-
method of changing the atomic structure of materials in order to make them better.
used to make materials cheaper, lighter, stronger and more precise.
Manipulating the atomic structure of carbon can form a diamond.
Changing atoms of silicon can create a computer chip.
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