PDLC | Electrochromic | Thermochromic Technologies - The Science Behind Switchable Film

Have you ever noticed how certain glass windows can change from transparent to frosted just by pressing a button? Switchable film, a smart technology used in smart glass, is responsible for this metamorphosis. This essay will explore the scientific rationale for switchable film, distilling the complex jargon into concepts that are easily grasped. We will look at the three main technologies—PDLC, electrochromic, and thermochromic—that make this process possible.

Switchable film is a thin, magical coating that can be applied to glass to change its appearance or how much light passes through. It's perfect for fast seclusion or modifying sunlight without the need for blinds or curtains.

PDLC | Privacy At The Flip Of A Switch

PDLC, which stands for Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal, offers privacy by a straightforward switch. Imagine a sandwich where the liquid crystal droplets are the stuffing and the film layers are the bread. The droplets scatter light in the absence of electricity, giving the impression of frosted glass. When the device is turned on, the droplets align, letting light in and rendering the glass transparent. It's similar to clearing clutter out of a room to have a clean vision.

Properties Of Switchable Film

The unique qualities of PDLC film are what give it its versatility and superior quality.

Thinness

With the use of cutting-edge technology, we are able to produce PDLC film that is incredibly thin and reliable. The thinnest switchable film available for commercial usage has a thickness of around 250 µm, which makes it easy to place on existing glass panels in doors or windows.

Completely Opaque

Without electricity, the PDLC film stays entirely opaque, allowing for a variety of applications and designs.

Fast Response

The switchable film responds to your commands with speed. In just 0.05 seconds, our PDLC material can go from clear to opaque and vice versa. This helps you to quickly and effectively control the amount of light and temperature inside.

Projection Surface

As a projection surface, the PDLC film functions admirably. When you're ready to utilize it as a projection screen, dim the lights in the room and aim the projector at a surface covered with a switchable film.

Energy Efficient

Our switchable film operates at a very low temperature of 0.00077 W/sq inches in order to effectively save energy.

Optimal Protection

Indoor users are adequately protected by the PDLC film, which filters over 99% of harmful UV radiation and over 65% of infrared rays.

Electrochromic | Color-Changing Glass

Electrochromic technology uses electricity to change color or opacity, much like a chameleon in glass. It works similarly to an e-reader screen, using electricity to darken glass in order to minimize glare and block sunlight. Because it doesn't require constant power to maintain the change, energy is saved.

Thermochromic | Heat-Sensitive Transformations

With a layer that reacts to heat by changing the transparency of glass based on temperature, thermochromic technology focuses on temperature. This technology, which is akin to a mood ring responding to body heat, automatically modifies the window opacity on hot days to block out sunlight and keep the interior cooler. No manual adjustments are required.

Why Does This Matter?

These cutting-edge glass technologies are useful tools that may improve our buildings' energy efficiency, comfort, and privacy in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. They maintain a modern and minimalist appearance by allowing us to control the interior environment without the need for heavy curtains or shades. Because they reduce the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning, they are environmentally good because they save energy.

Looking Ahead

The field of switchable film technology is expanding quickly and has a bright future ahead of it. Due to their increasing availability and affordability, these gadgets may soon be extensively utilized in a range of situations, including cars, offices, homes, and other places with glass. This serves as an example of how science and technology may improve our daily lives in novel ways.

The magic of the switchable film is its capacity to change the temperature or electricity of the glass, making our environments more flexible and efficient. Each technology offers a unique route to the development of smart glass: thermochromic films respond to temperature changes, electrochromic materials change color, and PDLC aligns crystals.

To find out more about switchable films, click Contact Us and let our knowledgeable staff help you