What are the differences between smart materials, composite materials and nano materials?
Smart materials
are at least dual function, composites are materials composed of dissimilar
phases or components (sometimes they’re called hybrid materials now), and Nano
materials have been engineered on the Nano-scale
Smart materials have
multiple functions, which generally include sensor/actuator
ability in addition to having form, or being able to support at least some
structural weight. The classic example is Nitinol, which is a Nikcle-Titanium
allow. After mechanical deformation (for example, bending), it can be heated up
and will return to the pre-deformed structural shape. Lead-Zirconate-Titanate
(PZT) is a ceramic, which responds to mechanical deformation by generating an
electrical potential. In the reverse, an applied electrical potential leads to
a geometric expansion of the material (actuator function).
Composites are
materials that are combinations of at least two different materials,
which allow the engineering of desired properties (like tailoring mechanical
stiffness, conductivity, etc). Classic examples are glass fiber composites,
where glass fibers are embedded in an epoxy matrix. As long as the base
materials retain their characteristics and physical morphology, it would be
considered a composite.
Nano-materials
implies that the material has been designed and engineered at the Nano-scale.
This might include creating nano-sized fibers or particles for the creation of
composites, building surfaces, etc.
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