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contain two or more thermochromic dyes, one which changes colour at a threshold temperature, and
the second, which changes colour at a still higher temperature. Colour change by the first dye may
indicate that a desired threshold temperature has been reached. Colour change by the second dye
may indicate that the hair has been brought to too high a temperature.
2.2.4 Applications in the interior textile sector
2.2.4.1 Research projects and products
Chromical materials, also called Chameleon fibres, are used in the field of interior textiles to make
patterns appear and disappear.
Thermochromic
Scientists at XS Labs have developed Shimmering Flower that functions as a woven animated display,
constructed with conductive yarns and thermochromic inks together with custom electronics
components. The textile is woven on a Jacquard loom, which allows the creation of beautiful and
complex imagery. The flower image was created with a custom drawing software. The colours and
pattern of the weaving change very slowly, reminding the viewer of the nature of natural time and
change.
Fig. 77 Shimmering Flower display [92]
Thermochromical screenprint paste can be used on textiles. The property of the material is a colour
change when the material is heated up to around 37°C. Thus, the fabric may be heated up by hand or
breath. When the heating source is removed, the fabric changes slowly back to its original colour.
In the frame of the project ‘Fabrication’ experiments with thermochromical paint containing mixed
pigments were carried out, resulting in different colours and intensities.
In order to control when the colour change should take place, heat elements were integrated into the
textiles by different ways. One possibility is that different fabrics in layers are sandwiched together with
heat elements in between and the thermochromic paint on the top layer. A second way to integrate the
heat element is to print on carbon fabrics. A colour change will appear when electricity is turned on.
Another possibility is to make a weave with conductive wires.
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