Design and Characterization of Multifunctional SMART Materials for Sensing and Actuation Applications

Abstract

The field of materials science has experienced significant advancements, leading to the emergence of multifunctional SMART (Sensing, Measuring, Actuation, and Responsive Technologies) materials. These materials possess a distinctive set of properties that allow them to detect alterations in their surroundings and react accordingly by employing customised actuation mechanisms. The current study provides a full exposition on the design, synthesis, and characterisation of multifunctional SMART materials, with a specific focus on their applications in sensing and actuation. The design process include the meticulous identification and incorporation of diverse functional components, including piezoelectric materials, shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, and nanomaterials, inside a composite matrix. The selection of these components is based on their unique physical and chemical characteristics, which enable them to detect external stimuli and demonstrate response behaviours. The amalgamation of various constituents inside a unified material framework yields a synergistic outcome, hence augmenting the holistic functionality of the SMART material. The research also explores the many uses of multifunctional SMART materials, encompassing areas such as structural health monitoring and biological devices. The capacity of these materials to detect alterations in temperature, strain, pressure, and other environmental factors, in conjunction with their actuation capabilities, presents novel opportunities for advancement in several disciplines.