Are PDLCs only available as artificial materials?-Global Smart Glass

Why does PDLC glass scatter light?

The liquid crystals change their refractive index in relation to the isotropically transparent polymer in which they are immersed, thereby creating multiple step boundaries throughout the PDLC.
It is this change in refractive index at each boundary which causes light to change course. Since the PDLC material contains millions of liquid crystals, each with a boundary facing a slightly different way, the light is scattered in many directions.
The net effect is to hide whatever is behind the PDLC smart glass.

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Can smart glass/film be regulated to gradually change its state?

Yes, smart glass/film can be regulated to slowly transform from opaque to transparent or vice versa. A transformer with dimmer function is needed.

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Why does PDLC require a polymer?

The polymer allows the liquid crystals to be embedded into a film, which can then be sandwiched between panels of glass or plastic. The polymer has constant optical properties which do not vary across its structure, and hence is considered isotropic.
In contrast, the liquid crystal itself is anisotropic, since its optical characteristics are not constant across its structure, but rather can vary under application of an electric field.

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Can smart glass/film be used in bathroom?

Yes, smart glass and film can be used in moisture areas so long as the edges are sealed with a non-acid silicone gel. For bathrooms, we recommend using our smart glass product as the switchable PDLC layer is protected from water by the glass. All electrical components need to be sealed and protected from contact with moisture.

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Why is PDLC considered to be smart?

The smartness of PDLCs is a result of its ability to change its transparency (technically called the transmittance) when an electrical stimulus is applied to it. This is normally by way of an alternating voltage, which exerts an alternating electric field across the PDLC material.
Nevertheless, the PDLC is only as smart as the control system which stimulates the change, which can be driven by a push button switch, a light sensor, or a building automation system.

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What Form Factors are PDLC glass available in?

Switchable Toughened Glass
Switchable Laminated Glass
Switchable Double-Glazing
Switchable Window Film

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