How does switchable glass work

When the power is turned off, the liquid crystals return to their normal scattered positions rendering the glass an opaque translucent. In their natural uncharged state, the PDLC droplets randomly align. In their natural uncharged state, the PDLC droplets randomly align, thus creating the an opaque translucent condition. Two sheets of glass are laminated over the PDLC film. The components are assembled under high pressure and temperature to form a single unit.

Privacy is minimized during an important meeting or consultation. Imagine installing a wall with switchable privacy glass in your business. You can let light in and create a welcoming feel for partners and customers alike.

With the flip of a switch, the switchable double glazing will cause the wall to become opaque to block unwanted light and glare. Switchable glass partitions in offices can create the feel of a large, open space, but when privacy is needed for a client meeting, just flip the switch, and almost instantly, you have privacy while still enjoying the soft light filtering through the now opaque partition. How Does Switchable Glass Work? Electric switchable glass panels are created by layers of film installed on the glass made up of liquid crystals at rest.

When these crystals are at rest, they are randomly scattered throughout, making the glass opaque. Using Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal PDLC technology , when electricity is applied to the glass, the crystals line up allowing light to pass through uninhibited, therefore creating a transparent window. When electricity is cut off, the crystals rest in their natural state, creating the milky white of a translucent window. These crystals are enclosed by electrically conductive coating.

This film is surrounded by sheets of glass from both sides, bound together under high pressure and temperature to form a single unit of smart glass. In a normal state, these particles are scattered and when the light hits the glass, it is thrown in all directions by these scattered particles; the glass appears to be opaque or milky white in this case.

On the contrary, when you pass an electric charge through the glass, these crystal particles align themselves into a symmetrical line. Now when the light hits these particles, it passes through easily; the glass appears clear and translucent in this case. A lower electric charge would only result in a few liquid crystals aligning into a straight line, and a higher electric charge would result in an increasing number of liquid crystals forming symmetric patterns.

This is how you can control the opacity or transparency of the smart glass by adjusting the amount of electric charge running through it. Technology has enabled us to increase the level of ease and comfort we can bring into our daily lives. Glass partitions, windows, blinds, and curtains have traditionally been used for selective privacy. Switchable glass eliminates the need for any physical contact, as it can be controlled in any number of manual or automated ways.

Timers, light sensors, and even motion detectors can all be integrated with switchable glass to eliminate any potential transference of germs. On the residential side of things, switchable glass can also provide a practical and convenient upgrade to a bath or shower room.

In a space where privacy is important, having the option to quickly flick a switch and ensure no one can peer in through the window is endlessly helpful. Homeowners will be able to ensure privacy while still having the option of enjoying a view to the outside world when needed, and will also be spared the inevitable and awkward towel-covered dash for the curtains or blinds when they realise they forgot to prepare before stepping into the shower.

Aug 16, By Cantifix. Share on. While they all provide the same effect, the mechanics differ slightly: How photochromic glass works Photochromic glass contains small molecules of silver halide, suspended in the glass itself. Hospitals and hygienic interiors While functional, blinds and curtains are fundamentally not that hygienic.

Bathrooms On the residential side of things, switchable glass can also provide a practical and convenient upgrade to a bath or shower room.