Question 1: Define 'smart materials' and explain how they differ from traditional materials.

Answer: Smart materials are materials that can change their properties in response to external stimuli such as heat, light, or pressure. Unlike traditional materials, which have fixed properties, smart materials can adapt or respond dynamically to their environment.

Question 2: Describe one common type of smart material used in everyday products and explain its working principle.

Answer: Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a common type of smart material. They can return to a predetermined shape when heated after being deformed. This is due to their unique crystal structure, which changes with temperature.

Question 3: Identify two advantages of using smart materials in product design.

Answer: Advantages include the ability to create adaptive and responsive products, and the potential to improve safety and functionality by enabling products to react to environmental changes.

Question 4: Identify two challenges or disadvantages associated with the use of smart materials.

Answer: Challenges include higher costs of production and complexity in designing products that effectively utilize their responsive properties.

Question 5: Imagine you are designing a self-healing window for a building. Which smart material would you consider using and why?

Answer: Self-healing polymers or materials with microcapsules that release healing agents when cracks form could be used. These materials can automatically repair minor damages, maintaining the integrity of the window.

Question 6: Sketch a concept for a wearable device that uses a thermochromic material to indicate body temperature. Include labels for key features.

Answer: A sketch should show a wristband or patch that changes colour based on temperature. Key features include a thermochromic layer, a flexible backing, and a simple display or indicator area. Labels should identify the thermochromic material, the body contact area, and the colour change mechanism.

Question 7: Draw a simple plan for a smart packaging system that can change its shape to secure fragile items during transport. Indicate the parts responsible for shape change.

Answer: A plan view with a flexible outer shell that can expand or contract. Include sections showing the shape memory or shape-changing components, such as embedded smart materials or actuators. Labels should identify the main body, the shape-changing mechanism, and the area that adapts for secure packaging.

Question 8: Propose a potential application for a piezoelectric material in modern technology. Briefly describe how it works.

Answer: Piezoelectric materials can be used in self-powered sensors or energy harvesting devices. They generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress, enabling sensors to detect pressure or vibrations and convert them into electrical energy.

Question 9: Explain how smart materials can contribute to sustainable design.

Answer: Smart materials can improve sustainability by extending product lifespan through self-healing or adaptive features, reducing waste and the need for replacements. They can also optimize energy use, such as thermochromic or thermochromic materials that regulate temperature without extra energy input.