Chameleon Fibers: Dynamic Color Change From Tunable Molecular and Oligomeric Devices

Since the inception of the present project in May of 1998 the Clemson, Furman, and Ga. Tech. laboratories are continuing the synthesis and characterization of unique monomeric and oligomeric molecules. These moieties when polymerized into or onto fibers and films will change the color of the substrate material upon application of an electric field. This process will enable the development of “tunable” materials depending on the end use envisioned. To date several promising molecules have been identified, field application devices built, and the first optical characterization of precursor materials have been successfully carried out and are reported here. Introduction and Results: This collaborative research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of oligomeric and molecular moieties which change their color by altering their absorption coefficients in the visible spectrum, due to changes in their structure in the presence of a static or dynamic electrical fields, has made significant progress since the projects beginning. The research is an integrated effort involving the synthetic capabilities of the Furman University laboratories, the electrical characterization and fiber formation capability of the Clemson laboratories, and the structure/property relationship characterization abilities of the Ga. Tech. laboratory. Research has moved forward in all three laboratories in a complimentary manner. Several different methodologies have been investigated in order to determine whether changes in molecular polarizability, microstructure, or fast coupling reactions are best suited to effect the necessary color changes in the visible spectrum. The actual color change is due to the absence of specific wavelengths of light reflected back to the observer due to differences in molar absorbtivity, which will vary with the application of an electromagnetic field due to structural changes.