Shape Transformation Induced Phase Transition
Shape transformation induced phase transition (STIPT) is the change in the material structure and associated physical properties of a material due to its shape changing. Examples include the change in colors, optical properties, electrical properties, or mechanical properties. The field of STIPT has grown rapidly in recent years due to its potential applications in a multitude of areas, such as miniature electronic devices, photovoltaics, biosensor applications and nanoparticles.
STIPT is based on the concept of shape-memory polymers, wherein polymers chains are grown in a specific shape and then altered through external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, and electric or magnetic field. As the shape and size of the polymers molecular chains is changed, the entire materials physical properties are changed. Because of this, polymers with shape-memory are not only capable of reversibly changing their shapes but also of responding to external stimuli in order to transform and adjust their properties.
One of the most important advantages of STIPT is its ability to induce significant structural and physical changes in a material from tiny size to macroscopic scales. Such changes can have a great impact on the performance and appearance of materials. For instance, materials which undergo STIPT could be used for structural applications, such as lightweight structural components, or for optical applications, such as transparent or colored coatings.
STIPT has also been used to induce superhydrophobicity in materials, a phenomenon which usually occurs naturally in many insects and plants. Superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit a water-repellent or water-resistant surface with liquid droplets bouncing off its surface. This phenomenon can be exploited in several areas, such as waterproof coatings, or providing self-cleaning surfaces.
STIPT has also been used to create responsive material systems which can adapt to environmental changes. One type of adaptive material system is based on the induction of detectable strain fields in a material to induce optical moduli. The application of a strain field causes a regime shift in the material, inducing a response behavior which enables it to be integrated into technological solutions such as smart windows, flexible displays and security tags.
Finally, STIPT can be used to create materials with enhanced mechanical properties. This is usually achieved through the optimization of the shape and size of molecules to access the desired physical or mechanical behavior. For instance, this can be done to create materials which exhibit a higher strength-to-weight ratio or an enhanced resistance to corrosion and wear.
In conclusion, STIPT is a powerful tool which can be used to induce a multitude of physical, structural and optical properties in a material. It is being used for a variety of applications, such as renewable energy devices, miniature electronic devices, security tags and adaptive material systems. Furthermore, STIPT is a promising tool for the creation of new materials with higher strength-to-weight ratios, enhanced resistance to corrosion, and improved optical properties.
