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Chinese scientists have created a revolutionary material that changes color at the molecular level, inspired by the chameleon, making invisibility a real and functional possibility.
Chinese scientists have announced that they have completed the development of an innovative material that changes color at the molecular level, inspired by chameleon. New technology from China allows objects or even people to blend into the technology, creating an advanced form of camouflage.
"In other words, applying this technology to clothing could make an individual effectively 'invisible'” said Wang Dongsheng, leader of the study, in an interview with China Science Daily.
The team University of Electronic Science and Technology of China believes that the discovery will have applications in areas such as military defense, architecture and fashion.
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How Chinese scientists' technology works
Published in the renowned journal Science Advances, the study describes a process called self-adaptive photochromism (SAP). The technique uses a molecular compound that changes its structure when it comes into contact with different wavelengths of light, automatically adjusting its coloration.
In a practical way, the material appears to blend into the surroundings when observed with the naked eye.
Inspired by natural phenomena, such as the active camouflage of chameleons and octopuses, scientists have sought simpler alternatives to traditional electronic systems, which are often expensive and difficult to implement.
SAP does not require external power or electronic components, making the process more accessible and efficient.
Promising tests
To demonstrate its effectiveness, the researchers conducted experiments using a SAP solution. Placed in transparent containers and positioned in acrylic boxes with different colors – red, green and yellow – the solution changed color in about 30 to 80 seconds.
Another test showed that the container, when placed in environments with plants of matching colors, became almost imperceptible.
Additionally, SAP can be transformed into coatings that can be applied to solid surfaces. By incorporating the material with polycaprolactone (PCL), the team developed films and sprays that enable adaptive camouflage on different objects.
Future applications
The rapid color-changing capabilities of SAP materials promise to revolutionize areas such as stealth technology, encryption and intelligent design. Wang noted that these materials could be used in camouflage systems for military defense, advanced architectural coatings and even high-tech fashion.
Another advantage of SAP is its thermal resistance, operating reliably between -20°C and 70°C. This further expands its application possibilities.
Next steps
Despite the progress made by Chinese scientists, the technology still faces limitations. SAP currently does not cover all colors of the visible spectrum, such as purple and blue. However, Wang assured that improvements are on the way.
“By adding more photochromic molecules or adjusting the material composition, we plan to achieve more accurate color distinctions and increase the transition speed,” Wang explained.
Since 2008, the team has been conducting studies on light-sensitive molecules, and this innovation marks another step in their journey. The ultimate goal is to achieve even more complete and versatile camouflage.
Congratulations to the creators of this technological innovation, I'm here imagining a million possibilities with a camouflage like this.