Structural Color Through Optical Elements on Thermoplastic Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for imparting color to articles rely on dyes and pigments, which can be environmentally unfriendly and affect the properties of flexible materials like textiles, and do not offer aesthetically appealing and durable structural colors.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical elements disposed on thermoplastic materials, specifically titanium dioxide or doped titanium oxide layers, to create structural colors through optical effects like scattering, refraction, reflection, and interference, without the need for inks or pigments, combined with textured surfaces to enhance iridescence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dyes and pigments are used to impart color to articles, then coloration is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and material properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical coloration methods (dyes and pigments) with physical optical effects. Structural color is achieved through nanoscale structures that manipulate light via interference, diffraction, and scattering, eliminating the need for harmful chemical substances while maintaining coloration functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of coloration from chemical composition to physical structure. By controlling the size, shape, and arrangement of nanoscale features (1-100 nm), different colors are produced through optical interference patterns, transforming the coloration mechanism from chemical to physical parameter control
2Ease of manufacture
If dyes and pigments are used to impart color to flexible materials, then coloration is achieved, but material flexibility and properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical doping methods with physical structural modification. The nanoscale optical structures are integrated into the polymer matrix without adding heavy metal particles or chemical dyes that would compromise flexibility, allowing the material to maintain its inherent mechanical properties while exhibiting structural color
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies coloration at the nanoscale level within the polymer matrix, creating localized optical structures that do not interfere with the bulk material properties. The nanoscale features (1-100 nm) are distributed throughout the flexible material, providing coloration locally while preserving the overall material flexibility and mechanical strength
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional coloration methods are used, then color is achieved, but aesthetic appeal and durability of structural color deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unstable chemical coloration with stable physical optical effects. Structural color produced by nanoscale interference patterns is inherently more durable than dye-based coloration because it relies on physical structure rather than chemical compounds that can fade, bleed, or degrade over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining polymer matrices with nanoscale optical features. This composite approach integrates the flexibility of polymers with the optical stability of structured surfaces, achieving both aesthetic appeal and durability through the synergistic combination of material properties
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Results in aesthetically appealing, durable, and environmentally friendly structural colors that do not compromise the properties of flexible materials, offering a wide range of hues and iridescence effects depending on viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Implementation Method 2
structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Implementation Method 3
structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Implementation Method 4
structural colors are visible colors produced, at least in part, through optical effects (e.g., through scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and/or diffraction of visible wavelengths of light)
Implementation Method 5
The textured surface and the optical element can impart the structural color to the article
Data Source
Figure 1A~1M
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
One or more aspects of the present disclosure are directed to components having an optical element that imparts structural color to the component or article. The present disclosure is also directed to articles of manufacture including the component having an optical element, and methods for making components and articles having an optical element that imparts structural color.