The document discusses smart materials, which are materials that respond to environmental stimuli like temperature, pressure, or light. Smart materials are classified into several types including piezoelectric, shape memory alloys, and thermoresponsive materials. Shape memory alloys can remember their original shape and return to it after being deformed, due to a change in crystalline structure between martensite and austenite phases in response to temperature changes. The document outlines various applications of smart materials in areas like aircraft, orthopedics, dentistry, robotics, and smart glass.