INDEX: -

 INTRODUCTION

 WHAT ARE THE SMART MATERIALS?

 SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS (SMA)

 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

 CHALLENGES

 CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION

The development of durable and cost-effective high-performance construction materials is

important for the economic well being of a country. Assorted developments are being made
these days to increase the strength and durability of these structures and make them
accustomed to various natural changes.

The technology now addresses the growing needs for strengthening aging structures,
rehabilitating damaged structures and designing new structures to more severe requirements
and for longer service life. Innovations are being made in structural materials and to develop
superior products that have positive impact on our cost-effective competitiveness, national
security and quality of life. In order to achieve the above requirements evaluation of structure
is essential. Figure (1) shows the evaluation components of structure.

Figure (1)

Engineers have to use three main criteria to select materials: desired properties, availability of
manufacturing technology, economic feasibility. One of the latest developments in this context
is the development of smart material.
WHAT ARE SMART MATERIALS?

“Smartness” of a material is characterized by self-adaptability, self sensing memory and

decision making. Smart materials are the materials that respond with shape or other property
change upon application of externally applied driving forces (electrical, magnetic and thermal).
In other words, smart materials refer to materials that can undergo controlled transformations
through physical interactions and are structured with multi-functionality. They have they are
able to respond to slight variation in temperature, moisture, pH, electric or magnetic fields by
changing their appearance, state and properties.

SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS (SMA):

The term shape memory refers to the ability of certain alloys to undergo large strains, while
recovering their original configuration at the end of the deformation process impulsively or by
heating without any residual deformation. This is due to their two unique properties: pseudo-
elasticity and shape memory effect. It had been found that these shape memory alloys first
bridge the structure and then on application of heat, changes shape and clamp both sides of the
crack together. The most efficient and widely used alloy include NiTi (Nickel-Titanium).

How Shape Memory Alloys Work?

The two unique properties of SMA’s (Pseudo-elasticity and shape memory effect) are strictly
associated to a solid-solid phase transformation which can be thermal or stress induced i.e., a
molecular rearrangement occurs in these SMA’s. The two-phase transformations which occur in
SMA are Martensite and Austensite.

Martensite is relatively soft and easily deformed phase of shape memory alloys, which exists at
lower temperatures. Austensite the stronger phase of SMA occurs at higher temperature. The
dependency of Phase Change Temperature on Loading is shown in Figure (2).
 Figure (2) Figure (3)

Shape Memory Effect:

Shape memory effect is observed when temperature of a piece of SMA below the temperature
Mf. At this stage alloy is completely composed of Martensite which can be easily deformed.
The distorted shape can be recovered by heating the wire above temperature Af. Thus the
deformed Martensite is now transformed to cubic Austensite phase. Figure (3) shows how the
shape memory effect works.

Pseudo-Elasticity:

Pseudo-elasticity occurs in SMA when the alloy is completely composed of Austensite

(temperature is greater than Af) and occurs without change in temperature. The load is applied
on SMA and is increased until the Austensite transform into Martensite (softer one). But as
soon as load is decreased Martensite begins to transform into Austensite since the temperature
of wire is above Af. Figure (4) shows how pseudo-elastic effect works.
 Figure (4)
Electrochromic effect:

The electrochromic effect is a property of smart materials that enables them to change their
color or opacity in response to an applied electrical voltage or current. When a voltage is
applied, ions within the material migrate, causing a change in the material's optical properties.
This effect allows for dynamic control of light transmission, making electrochromic smart
materials useful in applications such as smart windows, privacy glass, and electronic displays,
where adjustable transparency or color changes are desired.

Thermoelectric Materials:

The thermoelectric effect is a phenomenon exhibited by certain smart materials that enables the
conversion of temperature differences into electrical energy or vice versa. These materials
possess unique properties that allow them to generate an electric current when there is a
temperature gradient applied across them or to produce a temperature difference when an
electric current is passed through them. This effect is based on the See beck effect and can be
harnessed for various applications, including power generation from waste heat, thermoelectric
cooling systems, and temperature sensing devices. The thermoelectric effect in smart materials
offers a promising avenue for sustainable energy harvesting and efficient thermal management
in diverse industries.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Resource Intensity:

The production of smart materials often requires the extraction and processing of raw
materials, which can contribute to environmental degradation and resource depletion.

Energy Consumption:

The manufacturing processes involved in creating smart materials can be energy-intensive,

leading to greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to climate change.
Waste Generation:

The disposal of smart materials at the end of their life cycle can pose environmental challenges.
Some smart materials may contain hazardous components that require special handling to
prevent contamination of ecosystems or human health risks.

Recycling and Disposal:

Smart materials may present difficulties in terms of recycling and proper disposal. The complex
combination of different materials and components in smart materials can make separation and
recycling processes more challenging, potentially leading to waste accumulation in landfills.

Sustainability Considerations:

As the demand for smart materials grows, it becomes increasingly important to consider their
overall sustainability.
This includes assessing the life cycle impacts, evaluating the environmental footprint, and
exploring alternatives that minimize environmental harm.

CHALLENGES

Smart materials have tremendous potential and offer numerous benefits, but they also face
several challenges and limitations. Here are some key challenges associated with smart
materials:

1. Cost:

Smart materials can often be more expensive than traditional materials due to their specialized
properties and manufacturing processes. The high cost can limit their widespread adoption in
certain industries and applications.

2. Scalability:

Many smart materials are difficult to produce in large quantities or on a large scale, which
poses challenges for commercialization and mass production. Scaling up the manufacturing
processes while maintaining consistent quality can be a significant hurdle.
 3. Durability and Reliability:

The long-term durability and reliability of smart materials can be a concern. Some materials
may degrade or lose their functionality over time due to environmental factors, such as
exposure to heat, moisture, or corrosive substances. Ensuring their robustness and longevity is
crucial for their practical applications.

4. Integration and Compatibility:

Integrating smart materials into existing systems and structures can be challenging.
Compatibility issues may arise when trying to combine smart materials with conventional
materials, as their mechanical, thermal, or electrical properties may differ. Ensuring seamless
integration and reliable performance in complex systems can be a complex task.

5. Power Requirements:

Smart materials often require a power source to function, such as an electrical input or an
external stimulus. This reliance on power can limit their applicability in remote or resource-
constrained environments where a continuous power supply may not be available.

6. Manufacturing Processes:

Some smart materials require specialized manufacturing techniques, which can be complex,
time-consuming, or require specific expertise. Developing scalable and cost-effective
manufacturing processes is essential to enable wider adoption.

7.Limited Material Range:

Although there are various types of smart materials available, the range of materials with
advanced properties and functionalities is still somewhat limited. Expanding the library of smart
materials with diverse characteristics and capabilities remains an ongoing challenge.
CONCLUSION

A concise view of some of the smart material and their appliance to various structures is
being described in this paper. The main focus is on the use of these materials to develop cost
effective, durable & efficient structure. The various properties of smart materials like self
health monitoring, shape memory effect, electrical resistance etc. had led to development of
smart structures in which health and performance is monitored throughout the lifetime of
structure and had made structure earthquake resistance. So, it can be accomplished that if
these materials are used in proficient manner it can led to increase in strength and durability
of structure and may have a positive impact on our cost-effective competitiveness, national
security, and quality of life which can help in the development of a country.