SMART Film Technology:
​Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLCs)
1. Without power the liquid crystal molecules (microdroplets) are disordered. This prevents light from penetrating the film, rendering it opaque.
2. When power is applied to the smart film the liquid crystal molecules are forced into alignment, rendering it transparent.

Smart film, also called Switchable film, is a product that is capable of adjusting light transmission between transparent and opaque using AC power. Due to moisture sensitivity, earlier versions of the film were used only to make smart glass by lamination on glass. With continual improvement in moisture resistance, the new (3rd) generation of the film can be directly installed on existing windows with special glue or self-adhesive. It combines many functions, such as light adjustment, UV and infrared blocking, advertising and security.
Most of the film applications are via glass, acrylic or polycarbonate laminates, mainly having to do with the voltage (110VAC) required to operate the film. Companies continue to attempt various installation methods in order to use the film by itself without having to add the lamination cost.
One of the advantages of smart film is that it eliminates the need for blinds, shades or window treatments.

How Smart Glass works
​A simple On/Off mode switches the Smart Switchable film from transparent to translucent. In the transparent mode, the smart switchable glass appears just like any other conventional glass panels providing unobstructed view and daylight penetration.
In translucent mode, the smart switchable film acts as an electronic blind providing privacy and security, while still allowing daylight penetration. In ‘On’ or ‘Transparent’ mode, an electric current is passed through the PDLCs (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) interlayer which lines up the microscopic crystals along parallel axes, allowing vision through the glass.
In ‘Off’ or ‘Translucent’ mode, no electric current is applied so the PDLCs are arranged randomly in droplets, scattering light as it passes through the film. This results in a blurry milky-white colour obstructing vision through the glass.

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SMART FILM application:

​In the office

• Applied to the glass enclosure of a conference room. When the glass is transparent, one can see into or out of the room, and when it is non-transparent it can be used as a projection screen.
• Energy-saving function of glass curtain wall

Indoor decoration of up-scale residence

• Lighting cover glass curtain, sunshine house, living room and bathroom compartment. The glass is in a cloudy state when out of use, which protects privacy, and when it turns to transparent, one may fully bathed in sunshine.

Product display and commercial advertisement

• Glass display window, protect the products when it is non-transparent, and may used for projection to introduce products; when it is transparent, it may be used for store advertising.

Use for special occasions

• The glass door of a rest room is transparent when not in use, and immediately turns to a cloudy state when the door is closed.
• Glass floor and stairs on the second floor appear cloudy when walked upon, otherwise they are transparent.
• Privacy uses in hospitals, e.g., windows of infants' room and intensive care units, replacing curtains, to reduce dust and noise.
• Applied to dust-free rooms and cleaning rooms, smart films may be used to switch between transparent and non-transparent, and can reduce inconvenience for customers having to wear dust-free clothes passing in and out of the room.

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