Specialists from the Seoul National University have developed a material that can change its color depending on the environment. This is reported by Nature Communications.
For a visual demonstration, scientists have created a robot chameleon, on the plastic case of which the camouflage coating was placed. Artificial leather is a flexible display consisting of liquid crystal layers capable of changing the color depending on temperature. There are also several layers with heating elements made of silver nanowires. In this case, the thickness of the material is less than the human hair.
When the robot moves, special sensors analyze the shade and pattern of the surface. The information received is transmitted to the microprocessor. Then the network of nanowires heat liquid crystals so that they accepted the desired color.
According to researchers, it has recently growing interest in adaptive camouflage technologies, so the development will be useful in the military field and to create clothing for hunting. It can also be used in architecture, fashion and art.
In 2018, the international team of scientists together with colleagues from Moscow State University announced the creation of a synthetic analogue of chameleon. The material reacts to mechanical effects by changing strength properties and colors.