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Chinese Scientists Created a Revolutionary Material That Changes Color at the Molecular Level, Inspired by the Chameleon, Making Invisibility a Real and Functional Possibility.
Chinese scientists announced that they have completed the development of an innovative material that changes color at the molecular level, inspired by the chameleon. The new technology from China allows objects or even people to blend into the environment, creating an advanced form of camouflage.
“In other words, applying this technology to clothing could make an individual effectively ‘invisible,” stated Wang Dongsheng, the leader of the study, in an interview with China Science Daily.
The team from the 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 the Technology of Chinese Scientists 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 alters its structure when exposed to different wavelengths of light, automatically adjusting its color.
Practically, the material appears to merge with the environment when observed with the naked eye.
Inspired by natural phenomena, such as the active camouflage of the chameleon and the octopus, scientists sought simpler alternatives to traditional electronic systems, which tend to be expensive and difficult to implement.
The SAP does not require external energy or electronic components, making the process more accessible and efficient.
Promising Tests
To demonstrate effectiveness, 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 corresponding colored plants, became nearly imperceptible.
Furthermore, the SAP can be transformed into coatings applicable on solid surfaces. By incorporating the material into polycaprolactone (PCL), the team developed films and sprays that enable adaptive camouflage on different objects.
Future Applications
The ability for rapid color change of SAP materials promises to revolutionize areas such as stealth technology, cryptography, and smart design. Wang emphasized that these materials could be used in camouflage systems for military defense, advanced architectural coatings, and even in tech fashion.
Another advantage of the SAP is its thermal resistance, functioning reliably between -20°C and 70°C. This further expands its potential applications.
Next Steps
Despite the progress made by Chinese scientists, the technology still faces limitations. Currently, the SAP 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’s composition, we plan to achieve more precise color distinctions and increase the transition speed,” explained Wang.
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 comprehensive and versatile camouflage.
Parabéns aos criadores dessa inovação tecnológica, fico aqui imaginando 1 milhão de possibilidades com uma camuflagem dessas .