Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A team of scientists in China has developed a groundbreaking technology, a material that could make object ‘invisible’. The technology, described as a new form of camouflage as it capable of changing color to match the surrounding light, allows objects to seamlessly blend into their environment, .
Chinese scientists claim to have developed a material that can change color at the molecular level in response to surrounding light. This innovation enabling objects to blend seamlessly into their environment, similar to the natural ability of a chameleon.
According to Wang Dongsheng, the lead researcher from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the innovation could have practical applications in fields such as military, architecture, and wearable technology.
“In essence, this technology could enable clothing to make a person effectively ‘invisible,’” Wang said as reported by the South China Morning Post.
The material, described in a study published last month in Science Advances, employs a process called self-adaptive photochromism (SAP). Unlike previous camouflage systems that rely on complex electronics, SAP allows the material to autonomously adjust its color at a molecular level without the need for external devices.
The technology uses special molecular compounds that alter their structure when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This structural change causes the material to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, appearing nearly invisible to the human eye.
Experimental Success
In tests, the researchers placed a solution containing SAP inside a transparent container within red, green, and yellow acrylic boxes. The solution adapted to the surrounding colors within 30 to 80 seconds. When positioned among plants, the container effectively camouflaged itself, merging with its environment.
Compared to traditional man-made camouflage systems, which require intricate electronics, SAP technology offers a simpler, energy-efficient, and practical solution.
The team demonstrated that the material could be used in flexible films or coatings. By incorporating polycaprolactone (PCL), the researchers developed a sprayable SAP layer, which could be applied to various solid surfaces. This opens up possibilities for camouflage applications on objects like vehicles and buildings.
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Moreover, the material functions effectively in extreme temperatures, ranging from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F), making it suitable for both military and architectural uses.
Current Limitations and Future Goals
Despite its promise, the technology is not yet fully developed. Currently, SAP can only reproduce certain colors, such as red, green, and yellow. Blue and purple tones remain beyond its capabilities.
“We haven’t yet replicated all visible spectrum colors, but we aim to address this in future work,” Wang explained.
The team plans to refine the material by introducing new photochromic molecules and optimizing its composition to expand the range of colors and accelerate the color-changing response.
“Our goal is to achieve finer color differentiation and faster transitions,” Wang said.
Beyond camouflage, SAP technology has potential applications in smart design and stealth technology. If fully realized, it could revolutionize fields ranging from fashion to military stealth, offering innovative solutions that blend practicality and cutting-edge science.
(Raidi/Agung)
