In celebration of Science Week, we’re taking a closer look at the real science behind smart glass—what makes it work, why it’s revolutionizing architecture, and what the future holds for responsive materials.
At Polytronix Glass, we manufacture Polyvision™, a type of smart glass that uses liquid crystal technology to give users on-demand privacy with the flip of a switch. But how does it really work? Let’s break it down at the molecular level.
🔬 The Science of Smart Glass: PDLC Explained
PDLC stands for Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal. This material consists of micron-sized droplets of nematic liquid crystals suspended within a polymer matrix, sandwiched between two transparent conductive layers—usually made of indium tin oxide (ITO) on glass or PET film.
Molecular Behavior:
- Liquid crystals are anisotropic, meaning they have properties between solids and liquids.
- In the off state (no electrical current), the liquid crystals are randomly oriented. This causes isotropic light scattering because the refractive index of the liquid crystal droplets differs from that of the polymer. The result? A frosted, diffused glass appearance.
- When AC voltage is applied (typically between 30–90 VAC), the molecules align with the electric field, matching the refractive index of the polymer matrix. This allows light to pass through with minimal scattering of light, making the glass appear transparent.
Voltage Control:
- Threshold voltage is the point where LC molecules begin to align. The threshold voltage will vary based on film thickness, droplet size, and polymer viscosity.
- AC current is required to maintain alignment; PDLC reverts to its natural relaxed, opaque, state when voltage is removed.
Light Interaction:
- Visible light scattering is wavelength-dependent, meaning the frosting effect can shift slightly under different lighting conditions.
- UV and IR blocking: Our smart glass inherently filters out 98% of ultraviolet light and up to 70% of infrared radiation, improving indoor comfort and protecting interiors from sun damage.
⚡ Power and Efficiency
Although PDLC requires continuous power to remain clear, the energy demand is low, typically around 3–6 W/m². Power is only needed to maintain transparency, not to switch states, making it efficient for short-term privacy use in spaces like conference rooms, patient bays, and hotel bathrooms.
🔬 PDLC vs Other Smart Glass Technologies
PDLC is unique in its fast switching, high privacy opacity, and lack of haze in the “on” state. This makes it ideal for architectural interior design.
🔭 What’s Next? Exploring Future Materials Like Bistable Glass
While PDLC continues to lead in applications needing on/off privacy control, the future points toward bistable liquid crystal systems, where the glass can hold its state without power.
Bistable technology uses:
- Dual-stable LC alignments to toggle between two optical states
- Specialized alignment layers or polymer walls that “lock” the molecules in place
- Only uses energy during transitions—zero power draw in either state
Although not yet commercially mature for large-scale glass, this concept offers a major leap in energy efficiency and could power the next generation of smart facades and IoT-integrated architecture.
🧪 Smart Materials in the Real World
Smart glass is part of a larger field of smart materials. These smart materials are engineered substances that respond to environmental stimuli. Other examples include:
- Shape Memory Alloys (used in stents and actuators)
- Piezoelectric materials (convert stress into electric charge)
- Electroactive polymers
- Thermo-responsive hydrogels
At Polytronix Glass, we explore how these disciplines can cross-pollinate with architecture, creating smarter, more efficient, and responsive buildings.
🧠 Why This Matters
By understanding the material science behind smart glass, architects, designers, and engineers can make informed choices about how to optimize spaces for efficiency, comfort, sustainability, and even wellness.
Whether you’re designing a hospital, hotel, office, or classroom, smart materials like Polyvision™ offer not just convenience, but a glimpse into the future of building science.
📍 About Polytronix Glass
We proudly design, engineer, and manufacture all of our smart glass solutions in Richardson, Texas. From custom panel fabrication to advanced R&D, our work blends precision engineering with practical innovation.
This Science Week, we celebrate the people behind science and invite you to see smart materials as more than just surfaces. They’re a platform for innovation.
Curious about the science of smart glass?
Let’s talk! Visit www.polytronixglass.com to learn more or reach out to our team.
