Which materials approach can enable active disassembly?

Which materials approach can enable active disassembly?

• A. Stainless steel
• B. SMAlloys and SMPolymers
• C. Glass fiber composites
• D. Ceramic tiles

Answer: (B)

Active disassembly relies on materials that can respond to a stimulus to release or separate parts. Shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers are smart materials that change shape or stiffness when energized (by heat, electricity, etc.). Using these materials for joints or fasteners lets components stay securely joined under normal conditions but disengage or loosen when triggered, enabling easy, tool-free disassembly at end of life. This ability to actively control the connection makes recycling and repair more efficient. In contrast, materials like stainless steel, glass fibre composites, or ceramic tiles are hard to separate once joined, so they don’t support active disassembly as effectively.

Active disassembly relies on materials that can respond to a stimulus to release or separate parts. Shape memory alloys and shape memory polymers are smart materials that change shape or stiffness when energized (by heat, electricity, etc.). Using these materials for joints or fasteners lets components stay securely joined under normal conditions but disengage or loosen when triggered, enabling easy, tool-free disassembly at end of life. This ability to actively control the connection makes recycling and repair more efficient. In contrast, materials like stainless steel, glass fibre composites, or ceramic tiles are hard to separate once joined, so they don’t support active disassembly as effectively.