Thermochromic dyes and sunlight activating systems: An alternative means to induce colour change

Marie Ledendal, Robert M Christie, Samantha Vettese Forster

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingPaper in conference proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

Thermochromic leuco dyes may be applied to textiles substrates to provide colour change when the temperature is raised. These materials have been used previously by designers in interesting ways, activated with a variety of heat sources. This paper presents the outcome of research developing a set of ‘design variables’ appropriate for textile designers, for use with thermochromic textiles when activated by sunlight. Sunlight has the potential to pro- vide a sustainable alternative means to induce colour change compared with the variety of electrical heating mechanisms that have previously been explored which are more control- lable but energy intensive. The use of sunlight as the direct heat source was investigated for sun-screening textiles, for use either externally in an urban environment or in indoor window applications. Observations of sunlight-activated textiles led to identification of the signifi- cant colour change design variables as: amount of sunlight, time interval, rhythm, contact surfaces, ambient temperature and distribution of sunlight.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIC Colour 2013
PublisherInternational Colour Association
Pages193-196
Publication statusPublished - 2013 Jul 8
Externally publishedYes
EventAIC2013 Conference: 12th International AIC Congress - Newcastle Gateshead, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Duration: 2013 Jul 82013 Jul 12
https://aic-color.org

Conference

ConferenceAIC2013 Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityNewcastle
Period2013/07/082013/07/12
Internet address

Bibliographical note

Marie LEDENDAL,1 Robert CHRISTIE,1 Samantha VETTESE FORSTER2 1 School of Textiles and Design, Heriot-Watt University
2 School of Art and Creative Industries, Edinburgh Napier University

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Design

Artistic work

  • Design

Free keywords

  • Thermochromic Dyes
  • Sunlight Activating Systems
  • Thermochromic dyes
  • Smart Textile
  • Design
  • Textile Design

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Thermochromic dyes and sunlight activating systems: An alternative means to induce colour change'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this