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Biomimetic Solid-Liquid Transition Structural Dye-Doped Liquid Crystal/Phase-Change-Material Microcapsules Designed
Mingfei Sheng1, Jingjing Li2, Xiaojun Jiang2
1Key Laboratory of Science & Technology of Eco-Textile, Jiangnan University, Ministry of Education, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 6, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a novel electrochromic fiber using dye-doped liquid crystals and phase-change materials. This innovative fiber offers bistable optical states, enabling color changes with electric fields and maintaining stability for extended periods.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Development of advanced electrochromic materials for flexible and wearable applications is ongoing.
- Biological materials inspire novel system designs for enhanced functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a novel electrochromic fiber with bistable electric-optical capability and knitting characteristics.
- To investigate the stability and performance of a new dye-doped liquid crystal (DDLC) and phase-change material (PCM) system.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a polymer microcapsule-filled DDLC and PCM system.
- Encapsulation of the system into a calcium alginate substrate via wet spinning.
- Evaluation of electric-optical switching, bistability, and long-term stability.
Main Results:
- The electrochromic fiber demonstrated reversible color changes between colored and colorless states.
- Bistable states (isotropic and anisotropic) remained stable for over 1 week after electric field removal.
- The optimized fiber exhibited a low driving voltage of 9.7 V, below human safety limits.
Conclusions:
- The novel electrochromic fiber possesses excellent bistable electric-optical properties and long-term stability.
- The synergy between PCM and polymer microcapsules contributes to the material's stability.
- The developed fiber shows significant potential for applications in flexible displays, smart windows, and advanced textiles.
