PDLC Smart Glass
Smart glass or usually known as switchable glass is an innovative glass because it can be adjusted easily its opacity level through the application of voltage, heat or light. Smart glass can change its properties from transparent to opaque within a second and will provide optimal privacy just like a visually opaque surface.
The smart glass manufacturing process consists of various processes in which the switchable sheet manufacturing material is derived by laminating 2 or more layers of fine polycarbonate and glass infused with thermal, optical or electrical properties that cause it to react and make efficient changes to the opacity of the glass. In more detail, smart glass is made from Dispersing Liquid Crystal (DLC) technology where a thin sheet is produced from liquid crystals that are dispersed in a polymer solution and then hardened. Then the hardened polymer layer consisting of droplets of liquid crystal will be placed in between the two layers of glass. The outside of the polymer is coated with a thin transparent layer that act as a conductor and make the glass act as a capacitor.
Smart glass can be controlled through an electronic system using a remote control and the opacity of the glass will change depending on the electric current that passes through the material. When the glass is given an electrode that induces a transparent electrode on the glass, the crystal in the polymer allow less or more light to pass through depending on the applied voltage. The glass will then maintain the applied opacity level without requiring a constant power supply.
Smart glass is widely used to cover glass surface that is used to control light and heat that enter the room such as home and office windows, electronic curtains, solar controls, security panels and more. Uniquely, in Japan itself using smart glass technology in public toilets in Shibuya district to give impression of clean and comfortable toilet to visitors and make it easier for people to knows whether or not there is people inside the toilet.
Written by James & Evan Reinaldo
Source: https://www.teknoiot.com/smart-film/