Researchers at MIT have created a new programmable PhotoChromeleon ink, which can change colors using a special program. Scientists note that this will reduce the cost of producing goods, and users will be able to change their image daily, without the need to buy clothes of different colors.

A team from MIT mixed blue, purple, and yellow photochromic dyes into a solution that can be sprayed onto objects — from shoes to cars, phones, and toys. Then the coated object is placed in a box with a projector and ultraviolet light, where it can change its color.

Users customize the color or pattern in a program that uses ultraviolet light to activate and deactivate different colors. They will be preserved in natural light, and if the user is dissatisfied with the design, he can use ultraviolet radiation to erase everything and start the process again. For objects the size of a car, this process can take from 15 to 40 minutes.

“A special type of dye will allow you to create many options for individual design - this will increase production efficiency and reduce waste,” says lead author of the project’s article, Johua Jin. “Users can personalize their belongings and appearance daily without having to buy the same item multiple times in different colors and styles.”

To create ink, the team used its previous development - the ColorMod system, which allows you to change color using 3D printing. However, each pixel in this case is printed separately, so the final result was in a very low resolution. Moreover, pixels could have only two states, and the color gamut was limited. PhotoChromeleon inks have high resolution and a wide selection of colors.

hightech.fm