Does PDLC smart glass become opaque?
No, the correct term is translucent, since light still gets through, albeit scattered in many directions. The glass would be opaque only if the light was blocked or absorbed.
How long time does smart glass/film change from opaque to transparent?
Smart glass/film change in 1/100 second from opaque to transparent and 1/10 second from transparent to opaque.
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.
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.
Can smart glass be used in outdoor applications?
Yes, smart glass can be installed in outdoor areas as normal laminated glass.