Smart and Modern Materials

Smart and Modern materials are highly advanced technically and have been developed for a range of uses.

• Treated paper for ink-jet printers absorbs the ink and generates crisp color reproduction.

• Thermochromatic pigment is mixed with acrylic paint. At room temperature it shows its usual colour, but when heated above 27°C the color changes to black.

• Phosphorescent pigments glow in the dark, first absorbing light and then emitting it.

• Thermocolour sheet is a material printed with thermochromic pigment which changes color as the temperature changes.

• Polymorph is a plastic that becomes mouldable at 62°C. It is used for product-modelling, curves (eg handles), and molds for vacuum-forming.

• High-density modelling foam is available in blocks. It can be shaped using hand and machine tools and takes fine detail well. It is often used on CNC milling machines.

• Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is made from 99% gold or silver and 1% clay. It can be shaped at room temperature, then heated. It's very expensive and mainly used for jewellery.

• Cornstarch polymer is used to replace oil-based thermoplastics in packaging. It is made from high starch vegetables including potatoes, corn and maize. It is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

• Paperfoam is made from starch-based fibres and paper fibres. It is scratch resistant, can be moulded, and is used for shaped inserts in packaging. It is biodegradable.

• Potatopak is made of potato starch. It is used for biodegradable disposable trays, plates, bowls, cups and containers. After use it can be composted, used for pig food or worm food.