Introduction of smart materials technology – based products in the automotive industry

Century by century uncountable inventions and developments were dedicated to synchronized technological advancement. Also, the developments of new and innovative materials are contributing significantly to the large scale such as automotive industry. Invention of functional and intelligent materials introduced new concept of intelligent infrastructure systems, autonomous systems, smart structures and robotics in the bygone years. Therefore, invention of these materials conceptualized to produce effective sensors and actuators according to the purpose. Use and control of such sensors/actuators requires knowledge and expertise in several interdisciplinary areas such as mechanics of materials, electronics, mathematics with efficient optimization techniques, computer science with design software’s, development and fabrication of materials etc. The branch all together is called Mechatronics. Smart materials are highly efficient materials and their performance comes at high costs associated with the high level of R&D involved. Smart materials include the piezoelectric materials (PZT). Some everyday items are already incorporating such smart materials, and the number of applications for them is growing steadily. Keywords—automotive industry; smart materials; Lead Zirconate Titanates (PZT); innovative technologies; sensors I. NEW MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS Historically development and advancement of societies have been intimately related to materials and its development. With time, techniques were discovered for producing materials that had properties superior to naturally occurring materials. The development of many technologies that make our life comfortable is closely related to materials [1]. This new century is dedicated to development of materials and development of intelligent infrastructure systems. Accomplishment of this goal necessitates better understanding of available technologies, physical theories, mathematical theories, experimental investigations, solid mechanics and mechanics of materials at various scales, development in materials science and in various other scientific concepts. This historical achievement can be ensured by devoted individuals and synchronized assembly of interdisciplinary researchers. Now, it is a new era of development [2,4,5,20–26]. Even development of new material can open new perspective in these relevant problems. Several small smart structures use actuators and sensors at milli– and micro–scales to achieve a certain goal (active and passive control). Nowadays, there are numerous research activities at universities, companies, and government organizations worldwide. Researchers are constantly finding combinations of technologies to increase avenues for commercialization. Can we imagine ―the innovative society‖ without ―the innovative materials‖ or without their applications? In several industries, including in the automotive industry, the smart and innovative materials will change the look and feel of the cars and they can provide significant benefits when they are used to replace conventional devices by reducing vehicle mass, component size and complexity, and improving design flexibility, functionality and reliability [12,24]. Materials technology created products and components that are smaller, smarter, multifunctional, environmentally compatible, more survivable and customizable. These products will not only contribute to the growing industrial revolutions but will have additional effects on manufacturing logistics and personal lifestyles. Variety of materials known as advanced materials has been developed for different applications [12,16,17,20–26]. To achieve a specific objective for a particular function or application, a new material or alloy has to satisfy specific qualifications related to the following properties [12,22,24]:  technical properties, including mechanical characteristics such as plastic flow, fatigue and yield strength and behavioral characteristics such as damage tolerance and electrical, heat and fire resistance;  technological properties, encompassing manufacturing, forming, welding abilities, thermal processing, waste level, workability, automation and repair capacities;  economic criteria, related to raw material and production costs, supply expenses and availability;  environmental characteristics, including features such as toxicity and pollution; and  sustainable development criteria, implying reuse and recycling capacities. If the functions of sensing and actuation are added to the list, then the new material/alloy is considered a smart material. As humanity has made great progress in processing elementary materials, they have become milestones that