Fast Optical‐Thermal Responsive Intelligent Glass Realized by Hydrated Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamide) Film. Issue 10 (23rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tang, Shuangxi; Sang, Xiao; Zhu, Shicai; Ma, Liran; Tian, Yu; Luo, Jianbin
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular materials and engineering. Volume 306:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-07-23
• Subjects: fast response -- hydrated PNIPAM films -- intelligent glass -- optical‐thermal properties; Plastics -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1002/mame.202100272
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-7492

Abstract

Abstract: Glass is widely applied in fields of architecture, automobiles, optics and instruments due to its light transmission, wind resistance, sound and heat insulation. However, the light transmittance of traditional glass cannot change after the glass is formed, which limits the practicability of glass. In this study, an intelligent glass that can quickly and freely switch between transparency and opacity based on an optical‐thermal responsive hydrated poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) film triggered by white light, infrared light, and direct thermal stimuli is developed. The fastest response time is ≈21 s under white light or 5 s by hand touch. A fatigue test of 250 cycles showed no obvious performance degradation. The transmittance of the intelligent glass changed reversibly between 88.5%–93.2% (transparent) and 25.5%–41.6% (opaque). The optical‐thermal response of the intelligent glass is attributed to the reversible phase transition of the hydrated poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) film. This intelligent glass not only has obvious advantages in energy savings and emission reduction but also may be very useful for privacy protection, for example, in car windows, house windows, and office windows. Abstract : Intelligent glass can quickly and freely switch between transparency and opacity based on a hydrated poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) film triggered by white light. The poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) molecules are dissolved in water (transparent) below 32.5 °C and separated from water (opaque) over 32.5 °C. This intelligent glass not only inspires significant applications in privacy protection but also opens an avenue for environmental friendliness.