Scientists at the Department of Electronics Technology at the University Carlos III of Madrid have developed an application using a composite polymer plastic (Pet Hates) that changes color if you apply an electric current, independently darken or lighten depending on the electrical potential that is about . Such material belongs to the family of electrochromic known, but the innovative nature of this study is that since it is plastic, lightweight and provide flexibility to adapt well to any curved surface on which is installed as smart windows, mirrors or glasses.
The proposed polymer synthesis requires simple and is characterized by good optical properties, forming the new generation of
electrochromic materials. These compounds change color independently when applied an electric current. This means that when receiving voltage from a voltage of few volts, like a normal battery, change color, and can reversibly recover their original color with a reverse voltage. They also have memory effect, keeping the color by removing the applied voltage. What produces this change is a chemical reaction that takes place inside the material and alter their optical properties both in the visible region and in the ultraviolet and infrared. If this is in the visible color change can be seen, switching to deep blue, green, yellow or brown, depending on the type of electrochromic material used.
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The proposed polymer synthesis requires simple and is characterized by good optical properties, forming the new generation of electrochromic materials. These compounds change color independently when applied an electric current. This means that when receiving voltage from a voltage of few volts, like a normal battery, change color, and can reversibly recover their original color with a reverse voltage. They also have memory effect, keeping the color by removing the applied voltage. What produces this change is a chemical reaction that takes place inside the material and alter their optical properties both in the visible region and in the ultraviolet and infrared. If this is in the visible color change can be seen, switching to deep blue, green, yellow or brown, depending on the type of electrochromic material used.