🔌 Conductive glass: the application and the secret of the instantaneous color change

Glass is a versatile material decor that looks aesthetically into any interior. From it are made doors, tables and chairs. In office premises such material has proved popular as baffles. Until recently, however, in order that others did not see what was happening in a particular office, the owner had to isolate itself more and blinds that can be closed. Now, everything has changed. Now, to hide from prying eyes, simply click the button and the glass from transparent becomes opaque and substantially impermeable. And how this happens, we are reviewing today.

What's the secret?

Such glass can be exaggerated to call "just a TV." In simple terms, it consists of two layers of the composite material, between which a liquid crystal film. The rest of its crystals are arranged randomly, and the surface has a white matte color. However, when it is applied to the voltage molecules line up in the correct order, with the result that the film becomes completely transparent. This technology has its definite name - «Smart Window».

Pros and cons of "smart" glasses

Of course, the technology of manufacturing this kind of material has not yet worked out the ideal, but the many positive properties can speak now. For example, if you use the «Smart Window» as a window to the street, you can significantly save on electricity in the summer. The fact is that when the glass is not voltage is applied and it becomes opaque, it ceases to pass ultraviolet light, without delaying with the natural light. Here's a paradox. As a result, the air in the room remains cool without air conditioning. By the way, part of the ultraviolet light is delayed even when the voltage is turned on, when the glass is transparent.

The disadvantage is the high cost of this material. The only thing we can hope for - a decrease in prices over time. But when it is (and whether or not at all) - is unknown. Many may say that the negative of such glass in the flow of electricity, but it is negligible and is not worth paying attention to. Especially that already appeared articles that did not require electricity.

Applications «Smart Window»

Such glass is applicable anywhere. Of course, initially it was created as an alternative to conventional windows, but now has found increasing application in the form of doors, office partitions. But if the big firms can afford such a design, the cost for a simple layman may be unaffordable. Example: The price of the most widespread glass, 4 mm thick and 1 m, range from 300 to 2000 € € depending on the functional and manufacturing material.

Another field of use "smart window" steel automotive glass. The only difference is that here is applied not matte, and dark film. Of particular popularity of such goods purchased in Russia - abroad no penalties for toning, as we have. But now traffic police officers are increasingly becoming the victims of ridicule when stopping "tight" toned car, sent for the device to check the light transmission and returning discover pristine and transparent window.

Other varieties of smart glass

Such material can change not only the color but also the thermal conductivity and heat absorption. The fact is that for each functionality has its own manufacturing technology. It can be various fillers, a different number of layers, material of manufacture itself (instead of glass More used polycarbonate).

Of course, pretty good set like glazing in the apartment, but on responses of experts, despite the fact that orders for measurements come regularly when it comes to cost, most of the customers refuse such "Pleasure".

The main types of "smart glass"

As probably already realized Dear reader, materials and manufacturing technologies such material may vary. Distinguish 3 main types of "smart" glasses:

1. photochromic - the material reacts to light. The technology is not new, because almost all known points chameleon that the sun becomes dark and in cloudy weather or in the room lighter. Familiar with such glass and welders: modern masks allow us not to shoot them in order to see where the electrode is directed. Transparent window, and through it all perfectly clear. However, it should appear arc glass blackens and a hot electrode can be seen through it.
2. thermochromic - these windows respond to the temperature: the higher it is, the glass darkly. The reason for this - a special gel that is injected between the layers. For glazed roofs and dormer windows such material fits perfectly.
3. electrochromic - a new type, which responds to the supply voltage. Such glass can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the illusory voltage. It is something like a dimmer on the light bulbs. response speed may vary. Depending on the model, after pressing the glass can change its color over time from 2 seconds to 5 minutes.

The development of well-known corporations

Interestingly, the idea of ​​"smart" glass was picked up and leading electronics manufacturers. So the company «Samsung» offered a window, which is drawn as a small touch pad (something similar has on modern cars as a projection on the windshield). When you can not only adjust the transparency of the window, but also view the weather or news through such panels. In the evening, or panel is not visible at night, however it is necessary to touch any part of the window - it is activated backlight that allows you to use the gadget as well as during the day.

I wonder what use such window It can be as an e-book, notebook, TV, or photo gallery. Members noted that the most interesting in a smart window is the possibility of setting a realistic image. For example, you have photographed views in beautiful sunny weather. Now, if the street slush, you can always install it. View remains the same, and the weather has changed ...

To summarize

Conductive glass, changing its color, without a doubt are a breakthrough in the field. However, progress does not stand still. Maybe tomorrow the world the light engineering or a single craftsman to present the world more of a new material, after which the "smart" window will no longer seem such a novelty. It is possible, because in recent years the technology began to develop still more rapidly with each passing day. Time will tell. In the meantime, we hope that the conductive glass with adjustable color change will become more accessible simple inhabitant.

We hope that the assembled bit by bit, and we have set out in this post, the information was not only interesting, but also useful to our dear readers. If you have any questions on the subject, they can always ask in the discussion below. Editorial HouseChief.ru happy to answer them as soon as possible. If you are faced with a conductive glass windows, change the color, please share your experiences with other readers. Write, ask, share, communicate. And finally, we bring to your attention an informative video on the topic today.

https://youtu.be/1kgZtNoOyXY

№7. 0:23-0:30; №8. 0:31-0:38; №9. 0:49-0:58.