A new type of "intelligent" surface coatings for glass: the hygrochromes
The research aims at elaborating a new class of high performance materials, whose characteristics, optical among others, are controlled through their hydration state. This is why these materials may be called hygrochromes.
Elaborated by means of easily industriable processes, they will constitute alternatives to thermo- or electrochrome coatings, as well as to polymer matrixes dispersed liquid cristal films (PDLC), indeed and even significantly enhancing their performances.
Our lab is in charge of the preparation of the materials via sol-gel methods.