Seeking Reversible Color Changing Technology

A SpecialChem client is looking for a technology allowing a reversible identification of a transparent plastic substrate when packaged or in use.

A SpecialChem Client, a worldwide leader in consumer goods with massive outputs of transparent, flat plastic substrates is seeking to enhance its product experience. The SpecialChem Client wants to add a visible differentiation in the product for an initial detection before usage.

The goal is to enhance user experience. Current market is 100 million units per year with potential of expanding to more product lines.

The solution will be applied on or embedded within a porous plastic material substrate. The solution will allow a visible differentiation between state A versus state B.

State A – in packaging Colored, or opacity level, or other visual identification possibility Environment is characterized by: Electrically neutral Within water Stored in a closed package Protected from any lights

State B – in use Fully transparent and colorless Environment is characterized by: Mild electrical capacitance Mild presence of salts (NaCl, etc.) in Water Exposed to light

Technology should: Be stable: no migration within the substrate Have a shelf life> 5 years at standard ambient conditions (in state A) Be heat stable to 150°C (300°F) for 30 minutes for post-manufacturing treatment Stable to treatment with mild polar organic solvents for postmanufacturing treatment Be reversible for 5 to 300 cycles Clear and colorless within 2 minutes The 2 states of the plastic must be visibly different with the unaided eye

Possible stimulus Change in temperature, up to 15°C Change in incidence of light Change in electro-chemical environment Change in radiation environment

Technology trials will be conducted as early as possible.
Commercialization of the solution within the next 2 years.

Preferable to be FDA approved (cosmetics, food, drugs, device, etc.). An encapsulation to prevent toxicity is acceptable.