Dynamic colour in textiles: combination of thermo, photo and hydrochromic pigments

Abstract

Colour Change Materials are a class of smart materials that present distinct characteristics relative to conventional pigments and dyes. When exposed to a given stimulus, these materials exhibit reversible chromatic changes, allowing the introduction of dynamic and interactive qualities to textiles. Currently, the combination of various chromic materials presents an under-developed area. The objective of this research is to study the integration and combination processes of different types of dynamic colourants in textiles, namely thermo, photo and hydrochromic pigments. The experimental work conducted demonstrates the effect of screen printing variables in textile chromatic qualities, being the variables set: screen mesh count, magnetic field of the screen printing table, printed layers (number and process) and pigments' combination method-overprinting and combination in the screen printing paste. The results attained also highlight design possibilities to further research colour change effects and outline a methodology to explore and design screen printed textiles with multi-sensitive qualities.