Welcome to the Smart Materials & Systems Committee

The development of Smart Materials and Systems is truly multi-disciplinary science, drawing on expertise ranging from materials science and manufacturing to engineering design and control. In contrast to many single discipline institutions IOM3’s Smart Materials and Systems activities provide a one-stop shop for expert advice, specialist conferences and professional development opportunities in this rapidly emerging field. The purpose of this Divisional website is to introduce the Committee and its members and to highlight our activities. We hope that you find it useful and welcome any constructive feedback. Read our mission statement

News

Fellows' Lunch

On 28 June The Packaging Society will again be running a convivial Fellows’ Lunch, open to all Fellows of IOM3, at The Royal Air Force Club, London.

IOM3, 16 Mar 2010

Call for papers for Materials Congress

Materials Congress 2010 – Materials for Extreme Environments and Times is inviting papers until 31 March. To be held from 20-23 September in Kuala Lumpur, the technical programme will explore materials and processes that can meet industry and society demand.

IOM3, 10 Feb 2010

Self-cleansing medical devices

A polymer that combines drug-eluting and self-cleansing agents could reduce the risk of bacterial infection through urinary catheters, say researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, UK.

Materials World Magazine, 01 Jan 2010

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Features

MASTering defence - UK work to improve defence

Team MAST has been delivering the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD’s) low to medium maturity materials and structures research since November 2007. This article presents case studies from that work - coatings to lower solar heat absorption, self healing of fibre-reinforced polymer composites and integrated damage resistance in composite structures.

Materials World Magazine, 02 Mar 2010

Solar energy without subsidies? - organic photovoltaic solar cells

The EU aims to meet 20% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. Organic photovoltaics — solar cells made from plastics — could be one promising avenue. They take the form of a flexible, light film that can be easily attached to other materials and adapted to different colours and designs. This has led to potential commercial applications in the construction industry, where plastic cells could be used as a thin film on roofs, windows and facades. Moreover, they could feature in foldable chargers for mobile phones and other gadgets on car roofs, or in clothes.

Materials World Magazine, 01 Feb 2008

Big prospects - Nanotechnology for the future

Nanotechnology development in the UK is at a critical phase. The Chairman of the Institute's Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Group takes a look at the industry and its goals for the future.

Materials World Magazine, 01 Jan 2008

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Events

Smart Fabrics 2010

14 Apr 2010 - 16 Apr 2010, Miami, USA

The Materials Entrepreneur: How to Take Your Innovations Forward

19 Apr 2010, London, UK

One day IOM3 conference aimed at materials start up companies and entrepreneurs.

HiPerNano 2010

28 Apr 2010, Cranfield, UK

Nano-enhanced Materials for Challenges in Auto & Aero

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Smart materials sector

The smart materials sector of the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network concentrates on "smart" technology and is funded by the Technology Strategy Board.

Materials World

The IOM3 member magazine

Materials World is specifically devoted to the engineering materials cycle, from mining and extraction, through processing and application, to recycling and recovery. Editorially, it embraces the whole spectrum of materials and minerals – metals, plastics, polymers, rubber, composites, ceramics and glasses – with particular emphasis on advanced technologies, latest developments and new applications, giving prominence to the topics that are of fundamental importance to those in industry.