Chromic textiles: Colour fastness properties and irreversible colour change behaviour of textiles screen printed with thermochromic, photochromic and hydrochromic colourants

Abstract

The objective of this work was to study how ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, washing and rubbing can influence colour and dynamic qualities of chromic textiles, and to explore how the results attained can be applied by designers for the development of colour changing palettes. The experimental work was conducted with 74% polyamide and 26% elastane elastics screen printed with thermochromic, photochromic and hydrochromic pigments in diverse colours. Initially, colourfastness properties of each pigment type versus colour were assessed. Although washing and rubbing can interfere in samples' colours by becoming lighter at different degrees, the results attained highlight the poor stability to lighting of thermochromic and photochromic pigments, which also present changes between hues along exposure time. For conventional textile applications, poor colour fastness commonly represents a limitation. This work proposes that the way textile colours and behaviour are permanently affected by the studied conditions can be interpreted as a creative variable in the design process. Research samples with a combination of pigments were developed and tested with a combination of cycles of different fastness tests, namely one washing cycle for every 4 h of UV light exposure, totalling 48 h and 12 washing cycles. Results demonstrate the possibility of creating interactive surfaces capable of displaying a wide range of colours that evolve to static within different hues, over stimuli conditions.

Children’s Functional Clothing: Design Challenges and Opportunities

“…In a study conducted by Garcia-Souto and Dabnichki [50], thermochromic pigment applied to fabric demonstrated potential as a non-intrusive wearable system for early fever detection in young children, monitoring diverse skin temperatures. In addition to the monitoring function, chromic textiles prove to be interesting tools for learning and stimulation, especially for children, transforming how they interact with clothing [28,51]. However, some chromic products may lack colour fastness, leading to a gradual loss of functionality over time.…”

“…However, some chromic products may lack colour fastness, leading to a gradual loss of functionality over time. A study conducted by Cabral et al [51] addresses this concern and highlights the potential of exploring colour interactivity by creating changeable colour palettes and patterns, incorporating pigments with variable levels of reversibility and permanence. This insight underscores creativity in the design process and contributes to the increase of chromic products life cycle.…”

Photochromic performance optimization of polyurethane microcapsules by interfacial polymerization method

“…Chromic textiles change their color when stimulated by pH, temperature, light irradiation, moisture, or electricity 1–3 . Due to their interactivity and responsiveness, chromic textiles are promising in military camouflage, physiological monitoring, confidential barcodes, and attractive ornament.…”

Transition Temperature of Color Change in Thermochromic Systems and Its Description Using Sigmoidal Models

“…Most often, the number of cycles of thermochromic color change that the thermochromic ink can perform is studied. The influence of light, other factors, and effects of use on thermochromic systems are studied [28].…”