A research team at the University of Connecticut has perfected a process for creating various rapidly-changing colors in displays and films. The research findings have been published in the July 7th issue of Journal of Materials Chemistry.
The technology can be applied to accessories such as sunglasses. The US military has taken an interest in the new technology, which can be used to aid soldiers in seeing clearly in changing environments. The patent-pending technology is cost-effective and a comparatively less wasteful process to manufacturers.
A member of the Polymer Program and a chemistry professor at University of Connecticut’s Liberal Arts and Sciences, Greg Sotzing stated that the technology can revolutionize transition lenses. Essentially, a photochromic film forms the basis of the transition lens. It is a sheet of polymers capable of changing color when exposed to light. The technology developed by Prof Sotzing controls electrochromic lenses by passing electric current when they are triggered by a stimulus. Sotzing explains that the lenses are like double paned windows with space between them. By spraying a mixture of polymers between the layers and waiting for it to harden, the research team is able to create the lens.
The professor also explains that since it is a cost-effective process, commercial retailers will be capable of producing these sunglasses often. Additionally, since passing of electricity will be an instantaneous process, the material will also change color quickly. Sotzing illustrates that this technology will greatly benefit the military by stating that if the personnel were to move into the desert from a dark passageway, the lens would change color to complement the surroundings immediately, thus aiding the soldiers.
Currently soldiers have to manually replace the lenses in the goggles. The new technology will eliminate the physical process.