Smart Materials for a Sustainable Environment

Volume: 12 | Issue: 01 | Year 2026 | Subscription
International Journal of Environmental Chemistry
Received Date: 02/06/2026
Acceptance Date: 02/25/2026
Published On: 2026-03-10
First Page: 19
Last Page: 30

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By: Rabindranath Jana.

Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia – 721657, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India.

Abstract

The accelerating pace of industrialization, urbanization, and population growth has exerted unprecedented stress on the natural environment. Consequently, worldwide issues including climate change, resource depletion, environmental contamination, and energy scarcity have intensified significantly. In response to these concerns, sustainable development has emerged as a fundamental framework, seeking to balance present-day requirements with the long-term needs of future generations. Within this framework, smart materials have gained considerable attention for their ability to adapt to environmental conditions and enhance resource efficiency. Also referred to as intelligent or responsive materials, smart materials possess the capability to sense changes in their surroundings and respond in a controlled and functional manner. They can alter properties, such as shape, color, stiffness, or electrical conductivity, when exposed to external stimuli including temperature, pressure, light, moisture, and electric or magnetic fields. By improving system performance while minimizing waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact, smart materials contribute significantly to sustainable solutions. This review presents an overview of smart materials, highlighting their types, characteristics, applications, and their vital role in promoting environmental sustainability.

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Citation:

How to cite this article: Rabindranath Jana Smart Materials for a Sustainable Environment. International Journal of Environmental Chemistry. 2026; 12(01): 19-30p.

How to cite this URL: Rabindranath Jana, Smart Materials for a Sustainable Environment. International Journal of Environmental Chemistry. 2026; 12(01): 19-30p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijec/article=25073

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