IOM3: The Global Network for Materials, Minerals & Photochromic materials. Electroluminescent materials. Thermochromic materials. Conducting polymers. Fluorescent materials. Phosphorescent materials. Dielectric elastomers. Polymer gels. Shape memory alloys (SMA) Smart Materials. Science and technology have made amazing developments in the design of electronics and machinery using standard materials, which do not have particularly special properties (i.e. steel, aluminum, gold).
Imagine the range of possibilities, which exist for special materials that have properties scientists can manipulate. Some such materials have the ability to change shape or size simply by adding a little bit of heat, or to change from a liquid to a solid almost instantly when near a magnet; these materials are called smart materials. Artificial Muscles and Electroactive Polymers at JPL. *Artificial Muscles This homepage is the electroactive polymer actuators website of the JPL's NDEAA Technologies.
Electroactive polymers (EAP) are being developed to enable effective, miniature, inexpensive, light and low power actuators for planetary applications. Design inSite.