Does PDLC smart glass conduct electricity?

No, the internal PDLC layer is plastic and does not conduct electricity, since it is electrically insulated. Rather, it behaves more like a capacitor, where the applied signal alternates between positive and negative voltages at the plates of the capacitor, causing an alternating electric field throughout the PDLC dielectric, which is what aligns the liquid crystals with the frequency of the signal (normally 50 Hz or 60 Hz).

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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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What is the structure of PDLC glass?

PDLC smart glass is composed of :
Outermost panels of normal float glass (or sometimes acrylic) sandwiched around:
Inner panels of optically clear PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate), sandwiched around:
ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) which is a transparent conductor, sandwiched around:
a PDLC core comprised of liquid crystal droplets, suspended in a polymer.

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what is the difference between self-adhesive smart film and smart glass

1. What is self-adhesive smart film and smart glass

Self-Adhesive Smart Film:

A flexible polymer-based film (typically PDLC: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) with an adhesive layer on one side. It is applied directly to existing glass surfaces like a sticker.

Smart Glass:

A laminated glass unit where PDLC film is permanently sandwiched between two layers of glass using EVA or PVB interlayers under high pressure/temperature. This creates a solid, structural glazing product.


2. Installation & Application

Feature Self-Adhesive Smart Film Smart Glass
Installation Peel-and-stick onto existing glass; DIY-friendly. Requires professional glazing; replaces entire glass unit.
Best For Retrofitting existing windows/glass partitions. New constructions or full renovations.
Complexity Some skill is needed:
1. How to install the film;
2. How to deal with the edge sealant;
3. How to hide the wire.

How to install the self-adhesive smart film?

Install the glass as the normal glass except for considering how to hide the wire.
How to make smart glass?

3. Functionality & Performance

• Optical Clarity:
Both switch between transparent (ON) and opaque (OFF) via electricity. Smart Glass often has higher clarity due to glass encapsulation.

• Energy Efficiency:
Identical function: Blocks ~99% UV rays and reduces heat gain.
Power consumption is low (~5W/m²/hour).

• Durability:
Smart Glass is more robust (scratch resistant, impact-resistant, safety-glass properties, longer life time). Film is vulnerable to peeling/scratches comparing with smart glass.

• Safety:
Smart glass remains secure after breaking. Film lacks structural security but can prevent glass from shattering.


4. Applications

• Film: Ideal for retrofitting offices, shower doors, storefronts, or rental properties.

• Glass: Suited for high-end architectural projects (facades, security rooms, partitions), automotive sunroofs, and aviation.


5. Pros vs. Cons Summary

Type ✅ Pros ❌ Cons
Self-Adhesive Film Affordable, easy install, UV/heat blocking, retrofit-friendly Less durable, no structural safety, prone to air bubbles, Lower clarity than smart glass.
Smart Glass Premium finish, enhanced safety/durability, seamless integration, higher clarity and performance than film. High cost, inflexible for existing spaces, complex replacement.

Conclusion

Choose self-adhesive smart film for cost-effective, non-invasive upgrades to existing glass. Opt for smart glass in new builds or high-traffic areas demanding durability and safety. Both deliver dynamic privacy/energy savings but cater to different project scales and budgets.

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Which sectors are using PDLC glass?

Transportation
Architectural (residential and commercial)
Interior design
Retail advertising
Healthcare (i.e. hospitals and clinics, since the PDLC smart glass can replace unhygienic curtains and blinds which often carry microbes and germs, and this also improves air quality)
Banking, thanks to the privacy afforded to ATMs and as internal partitions
Hospitality, especially bathrooms, since more natural light can penetrate interior spaces lacking windows to the outside world.

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What is the structure of PDLC glass?

PDLC smart glass is composed of :
Outermost panels of normal float glass (or sometimes acrylic) sandwiched around:
Inner panels of optically clear PET plastic (polyethylene terephthalate), sandwiched around:
ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) which is a transparent conductor, sandwiched around:
a PDLC core comprised of liquid crystal droplets, suspended in a polymer.

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Can smart glass be used in outdoor applications?

Yes, smart glass can be installed in outdoor areas as normal laminated glass.

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