Smart materials: a review of recent developments

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a review of recent developments in selected fields of smart material technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a brief introduction to smart materials, this paper considers research into three classes that are presently attracting particular interest: self‐healing materials; smart sensing materials and sensing skins; and shape‐changing materials.

Findings

This shows that each of these fields is the topic of a major research effort and although few products are yet available commercially, they offer great future potential due to their unique capabilities. A multitude of uses are anticipated in the aerospace, defence, automotive, civil engineering, medical, robotics and other industries.

Originality/value

This paper provides a topical, technical insight into developments in three classes of smart materials.

Citation

Bogue, R. (2012), "Smart materials: a review of recent developments", Assembly Automation, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 3-7. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445151211198674