A new generation of ultralight thermochromic indicators based on temperature induced gas release

Abstract

We present here a new generation of thermochromic composites that require a minimal amount of materials for a significant optical effect. Polymer nanofibers were loaded with azo initiators that release nitrogen upon heating, and were subsequently coated with a thin gold film. The local release of nitrogen gas was shown to change the local topography of the fibers, while keeping the fiber morphology intact. The optical properties of the non-wovens could be controlled by the heating time, the heating temperature and the initial thickness of the film.