Please contact us directly to check availability if products are showing as out of stock. Some materials are made to order.

PRODUCT INFORMATION 

COLOUR CHANGING

Activated by temperature, liquid crystal changes its characteristics by displaying a reversible colour change. As temperatures rise and fall within the selected bandwidth, the colours gradually blend from one colour to another. This blending occurs between tones of black, red, green and blue. The diagram below shows the thermochromic colour change as temperatures increase. 

A SMART MATERIAL

This responsive material significantly changes its properties when exposed to external stimuli such as temperature. This RGB (red, green, blue) type of liquid crystal has been used since the late 1970s and has been used as a visual indicator in a wide range of applications. Smart materials are included as part of the national curriculum. 

APPLICATION

Before sheets were available, liquid crystal was only produced as a sprayable liquid coating, making it complicated to apply. We still produce the SFXC Sprayable Liquid Crystal, but using this sheeting means you won't need access to specialist spray equipment. Instead, you can apply the effect to your chosen surface using the adhesive backing. This material is easy to crop cut using bladed equipment such as a guillotine, scissors or a craft knife

Due to its impressive functionality and ability to act as a visual temperature indicator, the liquid crystal has been successfully used in thousands of applications across various industries. These applications include Medical Thermometers, General Temperature Indicators, Battery Testing, Medical Thermography, Radiation Detection, Heat Transfer Studies, Liquid Level Indication, Decoration, Advertising, Fashion, Jewellery, Art and Promotions. 

SPECIFICATION

Available bandwidths (temperature ranges):

• 20-25°C (68-77°F) - used for sensory installations
• 25-30°C (77-86°F) - used for touch responsive
• 29-33°C (84.2-91.4°F) - used for mood jewellery
• 30-35°C (86-95°F) - used for heat mapping
• 35-40°C (95-104°F) - to find breaks in underfloor heating
• 35-36°C (95-96.8°F) - used for heat mapping applications
• 40-45°C (104-113°F) - used for heat mapping applications
• Custom bandwidths - available upon request

Available sizes:

• 150mm by 150mm
• 300mm by 450mm.
• Custom sizes - available upon request

Colour change:  RGB (red, green, blue) 

Colour play: RGB placed within a bandwidth of 5°C

Adhesive: Semi-permanent. 

Material: Liquid Crystal Laminate Polyester. 

Thickness: 180-200 micron (with backing liner removed) 

A BIG THANK YOU TO FRIEDRICH REINITZER!

This fascinating world of liquid crystal technology was opened up when Friedrich Reinitzer discovered the liquid crystal structure and behaviour of carrot cholesterol in the late 1800s. Friedrich observed that these liquid crystals had two melting points: one at which they melted and created a cloudy liquid and the other at which they melted again to produce a clear liquid. In these crystals, Friedrich discovered colour generation.

We have come a long way since then, but we can't take all the credit! Thank you Friedrich! You are an absolute legend!

HOW IT WORKS (TODAY)

A liquid crystal is in between a solid and a liquid. The molecular structure of mesophase substances is rod-like and non-flexible. Even though molecules are in a liquid phase, their shape and intermolecular forces keep them oriented. Smectic phases retain a layering structure and a fixed orientation, while nematic phases only retain their molecular orientation. Certain liquid crystals (like cholestryl myristate) have chirality because of their molecular structure. Non-chiral molecules align to a specific direction (the director) in chiral nematic liquid crystals, but chiral molecules have a phase shift between successive molecules. The pitch of a liquid crystal is one full rotation of the director caused by a phase shift in a column of molecules. A chiral nematic liquid crystal transmits light incident on its surface. The waves are still reflected and interfere constructively when their wavelength matches their pitch. Since this wavelength is highly reflective, the liquid crystal appears that colour if it falls in the visible spectrum. Selective reflection can be used as a temperature indicator since pitch length changes with temperature.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY 

This material is shipped worldwide using our trusted shipping partners. Orders placed before 1 pm are shipped the same day if stock is available. Orders are tracked and carefully packed to ensure they arrive in excellent condition. Biodegradable packaging is used whenever possible. 

LEAD TIMES

Single sheets are despatched within 2-3 working days. However, packs of 5-100 sheets are produced as a custom order. Please contact us for the lead time. Shipping times apply. 

IMPORTANT 

Materials must be thoroughly tested before application to ensure suitability. Please read the TDS and MSDS carefully before use. Our product descriptions are intended only as a guide. Please avoid exposure to direct UV or temperatures of <0°C and 65°C>. The adhesive sheet may be removed once applied, but it is likely to permanently damage the surface to which it's applied or to the liquid crystal material itself. Custom orders are non-refundable and non-returnable so please thoroughly test a single sheet before ordering packs of 5-100 sheets. 

DATA SHEETS

Please click here to view the MSDS