Reversible thermochromic photonic coatings with a protective topcoat

Journal article (2021)

Authors

Weixin Zhang South China Normal University, Eindhoven University of Technology
Albertus P.H.J. Schenning South China Normal University, Eindhoven University of Technology
A.J.J. Kragt ClimAd Technology B.V., South China Normal University, Eindhoven University of Technology
Guofu Zhou Academy of Shenzhen Guohua Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, ClimAd Technology B.V.
Laurens T. de Haan South China Normal University
Affiliation
External organisation
Cholesteric liquid crystals Reflective coatings Stimuli-responsive photonic materials Structural color Thermochromic polymers
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Published Date

2021

Language

English

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Abstract

The fabrication of reversible and robust thermochromic coatings remains challenging. In this work, a temperature-responsive photonic coating with a protective topcoat is fabricated. A cholesteric oligosiloxane liquid crystal possessing a smectic-to-cholesteric phase-transition temperature response is synthesized. A planar alignment of its cholesteric phase is possible with blade coating. By stabilizing with 3 wt % of a crosslinked liquid crystal network, the photonic coating shows a color change ranging from red to blue upon heating. High transparency is retained, and the structural color changes are fully reversible. A transparent polysiloxane layer can be directly applied on top of the cholesteric layer to protect it against damage without affecting its optical properties. This approach satisfies the basic requirements of thermochromic polymer coatings, as it combines easy processability, coating robustness, and a reversible temperature response.