A shape-conscious alloy
When the frame of a pair of glasses is bent out of shape,
it's not that easy to return it to its original form. If, however, your
spectacles are made of a shape memory alloy then you don't have a problem. Just
place the frame in hot water and bingo! – they're as good as new again. Empa
researchers have now shown that these materials can also find applications in
the building industry.