What is smart glass/film?
Smart glass/film is a switchable light control glass that turns a transparent glass to opaque instantaneously and vice versa.
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.
Where can we find PDLC smart glass?
You can find PDLC glass in commercial and residential smart windows, consumer electronics and display cases for retail and museums, as well as in healthcare, hospitality and transportation.
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.
Are PDLCs only available as artificial materials?
Not at all; common examples of natural occurrences of liquid crystals include proteins, soaps, detergents, and even some types of clay.