Smart materials

A smart material is when heat or electric applied which significantly changes its shape or colour.

Product	What smart material	What does the smart material do?	Properties + characteristics
Mug	Thermo chromic pigment	The smart material changes the colour or theme when it responds to heat, so when hot water is put into the mug, the warmth/humidity makes the mug change red to represent that it’s hot. If cold water is put in, it does the opposite and indicates the mug by showing a blue colour instead.	Changes colour due to heat.
Spoon	Shape memory alloys	Heat treatment gives the material memory of its original shape. When heat is applied to the spoon, it is able to bend the spoon. Once the spoon has been bended, you can get back it’s original shape by putting it under cold water and then straighten it using some force and it will return to it’s original shape.	Changes shape and can retain previous shape.
Warning signs	Phosphorescent pigments	The sign absorb light when it is out and when the lights are turned off, the light will emit after a certain amount of time.	Absorbs light then emits light.
Drawer	Smart grease	Controls the speed of the two materials that need to be required by absorbing the energy.	Control movement.