New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
(OP)
Hi Folks,
I had a request from a former colleague to make a thermoplastic that is milky white at room temperature and becomes transparent when heated. We managed to make such a material but I don't know what to call the effect. Thermochromics are well-known but that is changing of color whereas this new material has no color. I was tempted to call it thermo-opacity or thermo-opacic. I'm not sure if that is correct and it sounds a bit clumsy. Anyone have some insight?
The temperature of transparency can be chosen in the range -20C to +85C. The effect is reversible and the mechanicals are similar to ABS. It's being considered for a window in a dishwasher door. The idea is that at room temperature you can't see your dirty dishes because the material is cloudy. When the dishwasher is on, the warm water hits the window and it becomes transparent so you can see the cleaning process. Other applications have been suggested too.
I had a request from a former colleague to make a thermoplastic that is milky white at room temperature and becomes transparent when heated. We managed to make such a material but I don't know what to call the effect. Thermochromics are well-known but that is changing of color whereas this new material has no color. I was tempted to call it thermo-opacity or thermo-opacic. I'm not sure if that is correct and it sounds a bit clumsy. Anyone have some insight?
The temperature of transparency can be chosen in the range -20C to +85C. The effect is reversible and the mechanicals are similar to ABS. It's being considered for a window in a dishwasher door. The idea is that at room temperature you can't see your dirty dishes because the material is cloudy. When the dishwasher is on, the warm water hits the window and it becomes transparent so you can see the cleaning process. Other applications have been suggested too.
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell






RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
Regards
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RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
I will discus with Dennis this morning and contact you off line.
I GUESS it's about crystals forming, melting and reforming at a melting point where the clarity is required and lower than the melting point of the matrix resin.
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
Apologies in advance for any UK/Yankee spelling differential. Nah, strike that. The UK spelling looks too weird.
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
That material sounds cool - to the point that I'm racking my brain trying to come up with an application in my company's products. No luck thus far...
As far as the name of the effect, I'm going to borrow a page from Calvin and Hobbes and suggest "thermal transmogrification"!
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
I would call it "Expensive"
(Joking!)
Harry
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
You would imagine that it's expensive but it's not too bad. The price would be a bit more than MABS.
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
Thermolucent - no charge for the brand name consultation :)
But, the marketing types will probably want to call it thermoclear, or cool-clear, or something like that.
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell
RE: New Plastic that Changes Opacity - What is that effect called??
Thermoptical
Temperview
hotview
coldview
The effect is interesting because most clear plastics get milky with temperature. That is a limiting factor for the applications of clear ABS.