How is thermochromatic rainbow paint made?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the production and properties of thermochromatic rainbow paint, specifically focusing on the use of liquid crystals and the chemicals involved in creating paints that change colors with varying temperatures. Participants explore the technical aspects, sourcing of materials, and potential methods for experimentation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about the composition of thermochromatic paint and questions whether the liquid crystals used are the same as those in LCD displays or if they involve different chemicals.
  • Another participant suggests checking Wikipedia for information on thermochromism, prompting further inquiry into the specifics of liquid crystals.
  • A participant clarifies that liquid crystals are a type of chemical with unique optical properties and mentions that they can be sourced from chemical suppliers, though proprietary formulas may limit accessibility.
  • One participant inquires about the possibility of extracting liquid crystals from defective LCD displays to create thermochromatic paint, indicating a hands-on approach to experimentation.
  • Several participants note the availability of thermochromatic paint on online platforms, but express difficulty in finding specific liquid crystal-based paints that exhibit a range of colors corresponding to small temperature changes.
  • Another participant suggests that achieving a rainbow of colors would require experimentation and creativity in application.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specifics of sourcing liquid crystals or the feasibility of extracting them from LCD displays. There are multiple viewpoints regarding the availability and characteristics of thermochromatic paints, indicating ongoing uncertainty and exploration in the topic.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the proprietary nature of some liquid crystal formulas, which may restrict access to certain chemicals. The discussion also reflects varying levels of knowledge and experience among participants regarding the practical aspects of creating thermochromatic paint.

sauroman1
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I'm curious how thermochromatic paint is made that has many changing colors corresponding to different temperatures? Read that liquid crystals are used but they same as in LCD displays or it's somekind another chemical?
 
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What it could. I checked Wikipedia. These are liquids crystals but I have no idea what chemicals used and where to find them. That's why I'm hoping learn something from experts.
 
A liquid crystals IS a type of chemical. It is basically -as the name implies- a liquid (with some short range order, hence the "crystal") with very interesting optical properties.
Hence, the answer to your question is that you buy them from suppliers of chemicals. If you go to e.g. the Sigma-Aldrich website and search for "liquid crystals" you will get lots of hits.
Note that the chemical formulas for the C that are used commercially tend to be proprietary, i.e. you can't buy them and the manufacturer won't tell you how to make them.
 
Anybody tried extracting liquid crystals from LCD displays? I do have defective PC LCD display from which I plan to get polarizer film and maybe make lamp from backlight, it would be great if I could make as well thermochromatic paint from display.
 
I see several LCD sheets, and also thermochromatic paint sold on amazon.
 
I can't find liquid crystal based paints in online shops. I mean thermochromatic not those with just two colors but LC which have beautiful rainbow colors corresponding to minute temperature changes.
 
sauroman1 said:
I can't find liquid crystal based paints in online shops. I mean thermochromatic not those with just two colors but LC which have beautiful rainbow colors corresponding to minute temperature changes.

I'm not pushing Amazon, but here are some things I found easily.

To get a rainbow of colors from minute temperature changes, you would have to experiment. Put on your artistic experimenter's hat.
 

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