SUMMARY
UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the California Nano Science Institute have developed a mass manufacturing method to deposit liquid crystal mesogens on the surface of a watch dial to create iridescent surfaces.
BACKGROUND
Mesogen is the compound that displays liquid crystal (LC) and at distinct temperature ranges, it can exhibit both liquid-like and solid-like properties. The LC properties are comprised of both rigid and flexible components that allow for these materials to be incorporated into various commercial applications. . . LCs have been used to mimic various biological processes due to their excellent properties. However, there is a further need to explore LCs use in other fields to advance technology into art and design applications.
INNOVATION
UCLA researchers in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry developed a method to deposit liquid crystal mesogens. The reported invention was capable of creating an iridescent coating without compromising the surface transparency. In addition, the materials developed in this invention can be applied to the target surface using various methods including but not limited to spin coating, electrospray, and airbrush.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Watch dials
- Glass designs
- Iridescent arts
ADVANTAGES:
- Easy application
- Iridescent surfaces with transparency
- Capable of mass production
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
First successful application of coating technology has been demonstrated
PATENT APPLICATION:
Devices comprising a liquid crystal layer and uses thereof
RELATED PAPERS:
Nasajpour, A., Mostafavi, A., Chlanda, A., Rinoldi, C., Sharifi, S., Ji, M.S., Ye, M., Jonas, S.J., Swieszkowski, W., Weiss, P.S. and Khademhosseini, A., 2020. Cholesteryl Ester Liquid Crystal Nanofibers for Tissue Engineering Applications. ACS Materials Letters, 2(9), pp.1067-1073