Structurally-colored articles and methods for making and using structurally-colored articles

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for imparting color to man-made objects rely on dyes and pigments, which can be environmentally unfriendly and have limitations in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal, particularly in creating iridescent effects.

Innovation Solution

The use of a primer layer and an optical element, optionally combined with a textured surface, to produce structural colors through optical effects like scattering, refraction, reflection, and interference, eliminating the need for dyes or pigments and allowing for aesthetically appealing, angle-dependent color shifts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If dyes and pigments are used to impart color, then coloration is achieved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates and aesthetic appeal is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoloration capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical coloration methods (dyes and pigments) with physical optical effects. Specifically, it uses interference patterns created by controlled nanoscale structures within the polymer matrix to generate structural color, eliminating the need for harmful chemical substances while achieving diverse and durable coloration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the polymer material at the nanoscale level. By controlling the size, shape, and spacing of nanodomains (typically 10-500 nm), the patent tunes the interference conditions of light waves to produce different colors. This parameter-based control enables color variation without chemical additives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If dyes and pigments are used to impart color, then coloration is achieved, but durability and aesthetic appeal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoloration capabilityVSAvoidcolor durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical dyes and pigments with physical nanoscale structures that generate color through light interference. These structural features are inherently more durable because they are integrated into the polymer matrix itself rather than being surface coatings or additives that can fade, crack, or wear away over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure within the polymer, combining regions with different refractive indices at the nanoscale. This internal composite architecture produces stable interference patterns that maintain color consistency under various conditions, including UV exposure, moisture, and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional coloration methods are used, then color is achieved, but iridescent effects and angle-dependent color shifts deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor productionVSAvoidiridescent effect capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the wave nature of light and changes the optical path length through controlled nanoscale structure dimensions. By varying the size and spacing of nanodomains, the interference conditions change with viewing angle, producing iridescent effects and angle-dependent color shifts that are impossible to achieve with conventional dyes and pigments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a spatial dimension to color production by creating three-dimensional nanoscale structures within the polymer matrix. These structures manipulate light in multiple dimensions, producing complex optical effects including iridescence, structural color, and angle-dependent color variations that add versatility to the material's appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This approach enables the creation of durable, environmentally friendly structural colors that can shift hues when viewed from different angles, offering a superior aesthetic and sustainable alternative to traditional coloration methods.