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Smart materials, composites and technical textiles

1 Introduction

  • Modern materials are ones that do not occur naturally. They are man made to improve their properties.
  • Smart materials are ones that can react to an external stimulus i.e. temperature, electrical current, force, moisture or light. They adapt to the new change and are then able to reset back to the original state.

2 Smart materials

Shape-memory alloys(SMAs)

  • Used for making reading glasses frames and medical stents.
  • They can be bent/deformed and will return to their original shape when heated or a current applied.
  • This will lengthen the life of a product and may allow it to be made much smaller.
  • This is expensive and continuous use will cause metal fatigue.
  • Examples being Nitrinol and gold-cadmium

Nanomaterials

  • Made of tiny components less than 100 nanometres.
  • Maybe be particles, nanowires, nanotubes or thin films and surface coatings.
  • Used in fire-retardent materials, sunscreen, tennis rackets, motorbike helmets and car bumpers.
  • The extra surface area can improve strength, elasticity, magnetic, electrical, thermal conductivity and absorbent properties.
  • Downsides are that the chemical properties may need special risk assessment for health and the environment.

Photochromic glass

  • Glass that darkens in response to light.
  • Used in spectacles and sunglasses. Also in plane cockpit windows.
  • Disadvantages can be slow to react and user has no direct control on the reaction.
  • Advantages adapts easily to changing conditions and no performance change even after thousands of cycles.

Reactive glass

  • goes cloudy when voltage is passed through it.
  • used in welding masks, office windows and hospitals to replace blinds when are difficult to sterilise.
  • Advantages - retains heat so reduces energy bills, instant privacy
  • Disadvantages - expensive, requires electricity

Piezoelectric materials

  • When this material is squeezed rapidly it produces a small electrical voltage.
  • If a small voltage is put across the materials it makes a tiny change in shape.
  • Used for contact sensors in alarm systems and in microphones and headphones.
  • Advantages - small size and high speed response
  • Disadvantages - they do wear out and there are limits to the load and voltage they can deal with

Temperature-responsive polymers

  • can change their physical properties with change in temperature so can be useful in many scientific applications.
  • used in biomedicine for gene therapy, tissue engineering and drug delivery.
  • still being researched so applications may take some time to implement.
  • More can be read about temperature-responsive polymers here.

Conductive inks

  • pigment that conduct electricity even when dry
  • made from silver, carbon, graphite - can be expensive
  • can be tricky to use
  • good for prototyping circuits, repairing circuits.
  • Advantages - lighter and cheaper than normal PCBs. Low waste. Can be folded.

Others for you to research

  • Aroma pigments
  • Hydrocarbon encapsulating polymers
  • Photochromic inks
  • Hydrochromic inks
  • Thermochromic paints
  • Polymorph

3 Composites

  • Composite materials are made from two or more different types of material.
  • For example, MDF is made from wood fibres and glue, and fibreglass is made from a mesh of glass fibres set in a tough polymer.
  • The materials for a composite material are chosen because they have different properties that combine to make a more useful material.
  • Steel-reinforced concrete is a composite material. It is made by pouring concrete around a mesh of steel cables. When the concrete sets, the material is:
  • strong when stretched (because of the steel)
  • strong when squashed (because of the concrete)

MDF

  • Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a type of hardboard, which is made from wood fibres glued under heat and pressure.
  • Advantages: -There are a number of reasons why MDF may be used instead of plywood or chipboard. It is dense, flat, stiff, has no knots and is easily machined. Because it is made up of fine particles it does not have an easily recognisable surface grain. MDF can be painted to produce a smooth quality surface. Because MDF has no grain it can be cut, drilled, machined and filed without damaging the surface. MDF may be dowelled together and traditional woodwork joints may even be cut. MDF may be glued together with PVA wood glue. Oil, water-based paints and varnishes may be used on MDF. Veneers and laminates may also be used to finish MDF
  • Disadvantages: -MDF can be dangerous to use if the correct safety precautions are not taken.
  • MDF contains a substance called urea formaldehyde, which may be released from the material through cutting and sanding.
  • Urea formaldehyde may cause irritation to the eyes and lungs. Proper ventilation is required when using it and facemasks are needed when sanding or cutting MDF with machinery.
  • The dust produced when machining MDF is very dangerous. Masks and goggles should always be worn at all times.
  • Due to the fact that MDF contains a great deal of glue the cutting edges of your tools will blunt very quickly.
  • MDF can be fixed together with screws and nails but the material may split if care is not taken.
  • If you are screwing, the screws should not be any further than 25mm in from the edge. When using screws always use pilot holes.
  • Urea formaldehyde is always being slowly released from the surface of MDF. When painting it is good idea to coat the whole of the product in order to seal in the urea formaldehyde.
  • Wax and oil finishes may be used as finishes but they are less effective at sealing in the urea formaldehyde
  • It may be used to make display cabinets, wall-panels and storage units.

Plywood

  • Plywood is made by gluing together a number of thin veneers or plies of softwood or hardwood.
  • Advantages: -There is always an odd number of veneers and each ply is at a right angle to the one below, this gives the material it's strength.
  • The more veneers used, the stronger the plywood becomes. Both the type of glue and veneers determine the suitability of a sheet for a particular application.
  • The finish quality of plywood varies considerably, some plywood have attractive grains while others can contain knots.
  • High strength to weight ratio and strong in all directions.
  • Economical use of wood - less wastage.
  • Plywood may be used inside and outside.
  • Disadvantage - the layers may come apart if wet.

Exterior grade plywood (WBP - Weather and Boil Proof). This type of plywood can be used outside.

  • Water-resistant adhesives are used and can resist a certain amount of moisture.
  • Used for sheds and cladding are made from this material.
  • Weather boiled proof plywood requires paint or varnish to protect the outer veneer from the elements.

Internal plywood does not contain water-resistant adhesive. Used for for wall panelling, flooring and furniture.

Marine Plywood is made with waterproof adhesive so that it can be used under water. The material should still be protected with paint or varnish.

  • The smoothness of the surface and the number of defects in it grade plywood. Plywood can be nailed and screwed. Thin plywood is flexible and can be formed into curved shapes.

Concrete/Cement

  • Concrete-like materials were used since 6500 BC by the Bedouins who used mortar for the construction of rubble-wall houses, concrete floors, and underground waterproof cisterns.
  • Some of these structures survive to this day!
  • To produce concrete from most cements (excluding asphalt), water is mixed with the dry powder and aggregate, which produces a semi-liquid slurry that can be shaped, typically by pouring it into a form. The concrete solidifies and hardens through a chemical process called hydration.
  • The water reacts with the cement, which bonds the other components together, creating a robust stone-like material.
  • Concrete is one of the most durable building materials. It provides superior fire resistance compared with wooden construction and gains strength over time.
  • Structures made of concrete can have a long service life.
  • Concrete is used more than any other human-made material in the world.
  • Excellent compression strength, sound proofing, can be made on site, durable and fire resistant.
  • Can be damaged by fire, radiant heat, trapped frozen water and corrosion of the reinforcing bars.
  • A modern method for using concrete - concrete cloth.

Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and Carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CRP)

Carbon fibre is an extremely strong and light fibre-reinforced plastic which contains carbon fibres.

  • In this case the composite consists of two parts: a matrix and a reinforcement. In CFRP the reinforcement is carbon fiber, which provides the strength.
  • The matrix is usually a polymer resin, such as epoxy, to bind the reinforcements together.
  • Because CFRP consists of two distinct elements, the material properties depend on these two elements.
  • applications in aeroplanes, car racing, bicycles, tennis racquets, musical instruments, laptops cases etc.
  • resistant to most chemicals and UV light.

Fibreglass is a common type of fibre-reinforced plastic using glass fibre.

  • The fibres may be randomly arranged, flattened into a sheet (called a chopped strand mat), or woven into a fabric.
  • The plastic matrix may be a thermoset polymer matrix – most often based on thermosetting polymers such as epoxy, polyester resin, or vinylester - or a thermoplastic.
  • Cheaper and more flexible than carbon fibre, it is stronger than many metals by weight, and can be molded into complex shapes.
  • Applications include aircraft, boats, automobiles, bath tubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, septic tanks, water tanks, roofing, pipes, cladding, casts, surfboards, and external door skins.

Fibreglass reinforced plastics or FRPs (commonly referred to simply as fibreglass) use textile grade glass fibres.

  • These textile fibres are different from other forms of glass fibres used to deliberately trap air, for insulating applications.
  • Disadvantages Fibres can cause respiratory problems in breathed in.

Robotic materials

  • Materials that couple sensing, movement, computation and communcation and can react to their surroundings autonomously.
  • Used in prosthetics, plane wings, vehicles and uniforms that can change colour to match their surroundings.
  • Expensive and complex
  • Quick reacting and does not require a computer connection.

Reinforced polymers

  • strong, tough and about half the weight of aluminum.
  • Resins are combined with cotton fabrics to make inflammable sheets, rods and tubes.
  • used for gears and bearings, outside to replace timber and they are weatherproof.
  • good dimensional stability i.e. does not change shape in heat etc.
  • can be expensive.

4 Technical textiles

Waterproof clothing

  • Nylon has some desirable properties. It is:tough, lightweight and waterproof.
  • Unfortunately, nylon does not let water vapour pass through it. This means that, although nylon waterproof clothing stops the rain getting in, it traps your sweat inside.
  • After a while the clothing inside becomes wet and unpleasant to wear.
  • Breathable fabrics are composite materials. They have the desirable properties of nylon, but are 'breathable' – they stop raindrops getting in while letting water vapour from sweat pass to the outside.
  • Clothing made of such material is very useful to hikers and other people who work or play outside.

Agrotextiles

  • textiles for improving argicultural production.
  • made from nylon, polyester, polyethene, polypropene or natural materials like wool and jute.
  • often biodegradable, saves on pesticides, can be cheap.
  • may effect the ecosystems by altering the normal cycles of water, carbon etc.
  • used to categorize the woven, nonwoven and knitted fabrics used for agricultural and horticultural applications including:
  • livestock protection, shading, weed and insect control, and extension of the growing season.
  • Read more in this article.
  • Uses:
    • They can be used to stop soil erosion which means nutrients / soil will not be washed away.
    • They can be used to warm the ground which means crops may grow faster / increased yields.
    • They can be used to help retain moisture in the soil which means that the amount of water required to grow crops is reduced / saves valuable water'
    • They can be used to help protect the crops from birds / insects / pests which means the crop will be bigger / more crops / fewer crops lost by being eaten.
    • They can be used to protect against adverse weather conditions such as wind / frost / hail / solar radiation which means they have a greater chance of surviving / growing.
    • They can be used as a weed control membrane which means time can be saved by not having to remove weeds.

Sport fabrics

  • Technology is developed in the manufacturing of fabric used in sports purpose to ensure incorporation of Sports Textiles special characteristics demanded by the athletics & the leisure activities for their better performance in the sports.
  • Garments manufactured from sports textiles fabrics, keeps the normal stability of body comfort, because these fabrics are ultra-breathable, fast drying and possess outstanding moisture managing properties, which rapidly wick moisture away from the body.
  • more unusual uses including artifical turf, climbing ropes, parachute fabrics, swim wear, paraglider, sails etc.

Construction Textiles

  • Used to improve construction appearance and longevity.
  • The Construction textiles segment comprises of textiles or composite materials used in the construction of permanent and temporary buildings as well as structures.
  • Examples include:
  • Architectural membranes, Hoardings & signage’s, Cotton canvas Tarpaulins, HDPE Tarpaulins, Awnings & canopies, Scaffolding nets, Floor & wall coverings etc.
  • strong and light, resistant to chemical, acid and UV damage. Stable in a range of heat conditions.
  • maybe expensive and may degrade over time.

Geotextiles

  • Geotextiles are used for the stabilising, filtering, draining or reinforcing of soil, rock, earth etc.
  • However Geotextiles particularly refers to permeable fabric or synthetic material, woven or non-woven, which can be used with geotechnical engineering material.
  • The principal functions performed by Geotextiles are:
  • Confinement /separation, Reinforcement, Filtration and drainage, and Protection.
  • Examples are geo-mats, geo-nets, geo-membranes, geo-composities, geo-grids etc.
  • do not rot, able to deal well with water and cost effective.
  • easily blocked by sediments and organic matter and are ineffective if damaged.

Conductive fabrics

  • A conductive textile is a fabric which can conduct electricity.
  • Conductive textiles can be made with metal strands woven into the construction of the textile.
  • There is also an interest in semiconducting textiles, made by impregnating normal textiles with carbon- or metal-based powders.
  • Their benefits over solid or stranded metal wires come from conductive fibers' flexibility and ability to use them in existing textile and wire machinery
  • used for shielding cabling in air- and spacecraft and other specialty purposes where light weight, high strength, and high-frequency shielding is imperative.
  • acting as a Faraday cage it can be used for taser proof clothing.

Fire resistant fabrics

  • An example of a protective textile.
  • creates an inert barrier between the heat source and the user's skin which when burn forms a supple skin and does not break.
  • doesn't melt or drip
  • Examples include Nomex worn by firefighters and racing drivers.
  • More details on how it works here.

Kevlar

  • An example of a protective textile.
  • is a super strong plastic which is 5-8 times stronger than steel.
  • uses in car brakes, motorbike clothing and bullet proof vests.

Here is a product made using Kevlar.

  • More details on how it works here.

Microfibres incorporating micro encapsulation

  • Microencapsulated fabrics are among the latest generation of intelligent textiles.
  • Microencapsulation involves encapsulating liquid or solid substances in tiny thin-walled natural or synthetic bubbles.
  • Microspheres gradually release active agents by simple mechanical rubbing, which ruptures the membrane over time.
  • Encapsulation has allowed moisturisers, therapeutic oils, and insecticides to be incorporated into fabrics.
  • Micro-encapsulation is also used in thermo-chromic and photo-chromic fabrics, which change colour with changes in temperature or light.

Domestic textiles

  • used in the house such as carpets, flooring, waddings, furnishings, cleaning wipes and linings.
  • hard wearing, absorbent and stain resistant
  • can be expensive, fire risk and can be difficult to clean.

Environmentally friendly textiles

  • use organically grown fibres such as hemp, wool, cotton, bamboo or recycled materials
  • Examples such as geotextiles, agrotextiles and in the fashion industry.
  • Uses less chemicals and is naturally more resistant to mold and pests.
  • can be expensive