Switchable glass is a type of glass that can be switched between transparent and opaque states. It is made by laminating a layer of liquid crystal material between two sheets of glass. When an electric current is applied to the liquid crystal material, it aligns in a way that blocks light, making the glass opaque. When the current is turned off, the liquid crystal material returns to its original state, allowing light to pass through, making the glass transparent.
There are two main types of switchable glass:
PDLC (Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) glass: This is the most common type of switchable glass. It is made by laminating a layer of PDLC (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) material between two sheets of glass. PDLC is a material that contains liquid crystals that are suspended in a polymer matrix. When an electric current is applied to the PDLC material, the liquid crystals align in a way that blocks light, making the glass opaque. When the current is turned off, the liquid crystals return to their original state, allowing light to pass through, making the glass transparent.
SPD (suspended particle device) glass: This type of switchable glass is made by laminating a layer of SPD (suspended particle device) material between two sheets of glass. SPD is a material that contains particles that are suspended in a polymer matrix. When an electric current is applied to the SPD material, the particles align in a way that blocks light, making the glass opaque. When the current is turned off, the particles return to their original state, allowing light to pass through, making the glass transparent.
Switchable glass can be used for a variety of applications, including:
Privacy: Switchable glass can be used to create privacy screens in offices, homes, and other settings.
Security: Switchable glass can be used to create security screens in banks, casinos, and other high-security settings.
Energy efficiency: Switchable glass can be used to control the amount of sunlight that enters a building, which can help to reduce energy costs.
Thermal comfort: Switchable glass can be used to control the amount of heat that enters a building, which can help to improve thermal comfort.
Distraction reduction: Switchable glass can be used to reduce distractions in classrooms, offices, and other settings.
Switchable glass is a versatile and innovative material that can be used for a variety of applications. It is a growing market with many potential benefits.
