Running Head: THERMOCHROMIC CAMOUFLAGE 1

Thermochromic Camouflage:

Usage of Thermochromic Pigments in Methods of Camouflage

Jacob Menichetti, Daniel Simon, Taylor Jordan

GS@IP, George Mason University

COS 120: Intro to Research I

Dr. Felipe Gutierrez

November 16, 2023

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Introduction

About Us

Name: Daniel Amilcar Thomas Simon

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Daniel A. T. Simon was born in the state of Kentucky in March on the twenty-second day of the

month, in the year two thousand and seven, on the fourth day. First, moved to the state of

Tennessee, Estado do Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the state of Georgia in the USA, and Currently the

state of Virginia. Daniel A. T. Simon aspires to the career of a mine engineer or a geological

engineer. Five years from now Daniel Simon sees himself in a college or university preparing for

a career as a mining engineer.

Name: Jacob Menichetti

Jacob Menichetti was gifted to this world in Virginia in 2007 and has stayed there ever

since. He feels confident doing many different principles of engineering and has not decided

exactly what he wants to do whether Aerospace or Structural. He has an ambition to change the

world in some way and be part of something bigger. He plans to use his projects and assignments

at Governors School to give him experience in engineering and ways to get into college. He has

many different interests for college including UVA, Perdue, Carnegie Mellon, or Princeton. Five
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years from now he will be in whatever college he chooses studying for a PhD or master's degree

in engineering.

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Name: Taylor Jordan

Taylor Jordan was born in Maryland in November 2007 but promptly moved to

Woodbridge Virginia where he has lived ever since. He strives to become an aerospace engineer

and a CEO of his own federal defense company. He plans to achieve this through further

advanced education beginning with the governor’s school at innovation Park and potentially

ending with a PhD from M.I.T. Five years from now, Taylor imagines himself finishing

undergraduates’ studies and beginning his career in the defense industry.

Problem

In and or on human textiles there is tendency to have some form of coloring, this coloring

usually varies with season and region. This leads to massive demand for the same type of textile

but in assorted colors, which leads to massive overproduction of textiles. This overproduction

textiles creates waste and pollution in our environment. One of the biggest contributors to this is

the camouflage industry as there are hundreds if not thousands of different types of camouflage

due to the vast diversity in landscape.

Objective

To synthesize a thermochromic dye not harmful to humans, that reacts at regular ambient

air temperatures to change to many colors.

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First off, in order for anyone to actually use our prototype, it needs to be completely safe.

No harmful or bleeding chemicals can be used in the pigments or material like any other piece of

clothing. The pigments also need to be practical to apply to a material safely and not cause any

additional risk. These pigments also need to serve their function and change based on their

environment to match it. If you travel into a cold forest, the camouflage should change to that

color and help you blend in. The goal is for the camouflage to be multipurpose and a person

wearing it should not need several different types of camouflage for different areas. One piece of

camouflage should be used for a wide variety of areas and be more efficient than existing

camouflage.

Research question

What are the optimum production methods for thermochromic dyes that can change to

many assorted colors at set temperatures?

We are researching whether these pigments could be practical in use for camouflage and

could improve on the problem. This research and experimentation will be done by designing a

prototype with the dyes we can then use to test the functionality.

Overview

There is a large market demand for colored textiles. This leads to mass production of

textiles which pollutes our environment. There is also market demand for camouflage which

changes color depending on climate. Our project can solve both problems utilizing

thermochromism in clothing and camouflage. Through giving clothing the ability to change color
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which would create less of a demand for new textiles. Through giving camouflage the ability to

change color and would solve the climate problem. The impact in society would be a change to

sustainability in the textile industry and greater variety in color of dress.

Manufacturing

1. Atlanta chemical Engineering (ACE)

2. Amazon Let’s Resin (AMZ)

Sourc Activation temp Starting Final color Price

e (Fahrenheit) color

ACE 77 degrees Green Yellow

ACE 77 degrees Black Green

AMZ 88 degrees Dark Green Lime

ACE 88 degrees Black Yellow

ACE 77 degrees Black Colorless

ACE 88 degrees Blue Colorless

Environmental Features

The military fabrics should be able to change to match many different climate types. The

chosen climate types to focus on are Temperate, subtropical, and tropical. These areas are

common, often fought over, and host a large population. These factors create a demand for these

textiles and fabrics in these areas.

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Terrian Type Temperature Color Required Location

Temperate Mean temperature is Green, Black, Dark Western Europe,

about 50 degrees Green, and Brown western North
Fahrenheit with America and some
summers averaging areas surrounding the
70 degrees. Mediterranean.
Subtropical Subtropical terrains Yellow, green, Dark The subtropics are
often vary in Green, and blue. between the tropics
temperature. of cancer and
Typically, they Capricorn such as
remain in between Australia, southeast
68-95 degrees Asia and parts of
Fahrenheit. south America.
Tropical Tropical rain forests yellow, lime, green, At the equator such
are warm areas that aqua/blue. as northern south
receive much rainfall. America and central
Average temperatures Africia.
range from 70-90
degrees F

Procedure

First mix Thermochromic dye base using other dye compounds. Then take the dye liquor

and place it in a storage container. Then test for color change of the dye liquors in response to air

temperatures. Utilize the new dye liquor and dye the fabric using screen printing to place in the

pattern desired. Utilize the binder chemical to ensure that the dye does not bleed out of the

fabric. Test the dyed fabric for change based on air temperature. By using these methods, we

create a prototype of our design that we can then test.

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The risks of our research are minimal as one of our goals is to have dyes to safe for

regular human use. The dyes cannot be harmful to humans or animals, and they can be worn

without any danger. Any mixing of the dyes will be done in a safe lab environment and

precautions will be put in places to further minimize any risks that might appear.

To analyze the functionality of the prototype, we can use qualitive observation to

determine its ability to camouflage. It can be tested in different environments with temperature

that the prototype should change color in and observe if the prototype accurately adapts to the

unique environment. This can be repeated for each different color of the thermochromic

pigments, and we can determine the practicality of our research. The prototype will then be

analyzed to see if it addressed the research problem and meets our engineering goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Free response questions are provided by Atlanta chemical Engineering (ACE)

Q. What chemical compounds should be avoided in combination with your thermochromic

products?

A. Organic solvents such as Acetone, Dimethyl Ethyl Ketone and Hexane could destroy the fine

microstructure of the thermochromic material. Compounds with strong acidic and alkaline

properties are harmful as well. Avoid combining any of these with our thermochromic products.
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Q. Are thermochromic products stable under direct sunlight?

A. If exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, the ultraviolet rays from the sun will destroy

thermochromic products. However, for cases that require some degree of UV stability for the

specific application, protection can be achieved by using UV protection coating.

Q. Do your products contain any hazardous components to my health?

A. No. The thermochromic pigments and our water-based paints and inks are NON-toxic

products conform to ASTM 4236 standard. However, we recommend you follow the general

rules for personal protection – wear latex gloves and protective glasses. Thermochromic products

should not be ingested!

Q. What is the shelf life of your thermochromic products?

A. The shelf life for the paints and inks is up to 1 year. The pigments last for more than one year

depending on the storage conditions. For longer shelf life, we recommend keeping the

thermochromic materials in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Q. Can different thermochromic products be mixed?

A. We do not recommend mixing our products with assorted colors and activation temperatures.

Note: You can use them layered on top of one another, in some instances. For example, let us say

you have two thermochromic paints – "Black to Pink" at 95°F (35°C) and "Blue to Colorless" at
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88°F (31°C). Apply the first layer "Black to Pink," wait until it completely dries and then paint

the second layer using the "Blue to Colorless" paint. When you begin heating the painted object,

the color will first turn from blue to black and then the black will turn to pink. This can be done

with 3 or more thermochromic paints/inks with the appropriately chosen colors and activation

temperatures.

Q. What is the maximum heating temperature and time of your thermochromic paints and inks

once they are already painted and dried?

A. The maximum heating temperature should not exceed 320°F (160°C). The elevated

temperature of the heating should not exceed 2 minutes.

Q. Can I apply a clear paint sealer to lock the surface painted with the thermochromic paint/ink?

What if the sealer contains strong organic solvents?

A. The clear paint sealer will not interfere with the color changing process. It is OK if the sealer

contains strong organic solvents. Since they are not mixed with the thermochromic product at the

liquid stage, the thermochromic paint/ink will not be affected.

Q. Can your fabric paints be used on leather?

A. Yes, the products are safe to use on leather and most textiles.
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Q. I printed my name on a T-shirt using your thermochromic fabric paint. Can I wash it along

with my other clothes using regular detergent?

A. Yes, you can. Our product is resistant to most of the detergents, hot water and bleach.

Q. I would like the bowl of my floor lamp to stay colored during the day and change back to

white when I light it up. The bowl is made of plastic, so is it possible to use your thermochromic

paint on this kind of surface?

A. Yes, our thermochromic paint could be applied on most plastics, metals, ceramics, glass and

many other materials.

Q. What is the area coverage per unit volume of your thermochromic paints and inks?

A. For the thermochromic fabric paints it is between 2 and 4 square feet per 2 ounces can (1858 -

3716 cm² / 60 ml), depending on the type of the texitle used for screen printing. For the

thermochromic paints and inks it is between 4 and 6 square feet per 2 ounces can (3716 - 5574

cm² / 60 ml), depending on the type of the surface subject of the painting.

Q. What is the drying time of the thermochromic paints and inks?

A. The drying time depends on the type of the surface subject of the painting, ambient

temperature and relative humidity, but usually it takes from 2 to 12 hours. The painted surface
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could dry in as little as a few minutes if it's heated. The temperature of the heating source should

stay below 320°F (160°C).

Q. Could I apply the thermochromic paint using a spray gun?

A. Yes, a spray gun could be used. The best results are achieved with the air pressure above 70

PSI.

Research

Article One: Dynamic Colour Change of Multifunctional Thermochromic-Fluorescent Pigments

Summary:

The book’s function is to characterize multifunctional thermochromic-fluorescent

pigments. There’s theoretical application involving security. Our group see’s similar applications

within our own project. The book says Leuco dyes based thermochromic (TC) systems are used

as pigments including pigments for plastic, paper, metal, and most importantly for our project,

textile substrates. TC systems require their components, a co-solvent, a developer, and a color

former in the form of Leuco dyes. The rest of the article relates to the specifications of different

combinations of TC systems, which could be used to determine which system is ideal for our

project.

Citation:
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Dynamic Color Change of Multifunctional Thermochromic-Fluorescent Pigments. (2016). Trans

Tech Publications.

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Article Two: Thermochromic Polymers-Function by Design

Summary: 1 Introduction

The Article begins by describing Thermochromism as the phenomenon of a color change

with dependence on temperature. This process is exactly what thermochromic clothing requires,

thus the explanation from the article on the chemistry of thermochromism and its real-world

functions helps use develop the necessary techniques to actually create our design. Although the

phenomenon has been studied by scientists for centuries the applications of such technology has

been extremely limited. However, during the last couple decades, the field of thermochromism

has made progress through the discovery and effectiveness of pigments based on leuco dyes.

Leuco dyes are cholesteric liquid crystals which when they are incorporated with polymers, they

form effective thermochromic composites. The article highlights photonic crystals, nanoparticle-

based effects, dye–dye or polymer–dye aggregation–disaggregation mechanisms.

Citation

Seeboth, Lötzsch, D., Ruhmann, R., & Muehling, O. (2014). Thermochromic

PolymersFunction by Design. Chemical Reviews, 114(5), 3037–3068.

https://doi.org/10.1021/cr400462e
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Article 3: Photosynthesis

Summary:

The previous articles are about one process for creating the color changing effect. In

order to make sure our team looks at all possible avenues, the last article relates to the familiar

process of photosynthesis. There are multiple different types of chlorophyll reflects green,

however during the sun due to the lack of energy from the sun, plants are unable to synthesis

chlorophyll. Thus, the other pigments representing a brownish red color are more prominent.

Because a similar process could be recreated using a process known as artificial photosynthesis.

However, we don’t require the full photosynthesis, that is we don’t require the creation of energy,

just the creation of chlorophyll and accelerated degradation of colors.

Citation:

Bühlmann. (2019). Photosynthesis. Philosophy Today (Celina), 63(4), 1037–1050.

https://doi.org/10.5840/philtoday2020124310

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Article 4: Reversible Thermochromism

Summary:

The patent presents first a problem and then a solution to said problem. The problem is on

how to obtain a reversible thermochromism composition which can change temperature required
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for change even without changing the combination of the electron donating compound. The

solution which the patent gives to the problem is comprised first of an electron donating

compound, and then an electron-accepting compound which is represented by general formula I

X is H or a CnH2n+1 or OCmH2n+1 also it must be UV absorbent. The information from the

patent will be utilized in our project when forming thermochromism compositions of compounds

to ensure a color change based on temperature change in the chemical bonds.

Citation:

NAKAJIMA AKIO, & ONO YOSHIAKI. (2002). REVERSIBLE THERMOCROMISM

COMPOSITION HAVING IMPROVED LIGHT RESISTANCE AND PRODUCT

USING THE SAME.

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Article 5: Thermochromism in Commercial Products

Summary:

The article “Thermochromism in commerical products” by White and LeBlanc is

primarily on sources of thermochromism and some applications of thermochromism. In the form

of liquid crystals. When covering liquid crystals, the article covers how liquid crystals work in

general in terms of orientation and change in structure based on temperature. Additionally, they

cover thermochromism in the form of organic dyes. When covering the topic of thermochromism

in the form of organic dyes, the article explains how dye can be defined as a structure that is

designed to either absorb or be absorbed by, leuco dyes are dyes which due to their names are
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indicated to in some states to be colorless. This method of thermochromism through leuco dyes

as the article explains is in truth not actually based on temperature but rather on Ph which may or

may not be temperature sensitive. The information from the article “Thermochromism in

commerical products” will be utilized in our product to better distinguish thermochromism in

our substances and to avoid a substance that only gives off the illusion of thermochromism.

Citation:

White, M. A., & LeBlanc, M. (1999). Thermochromism in commerical products. Journal of

Chemical Education, 76(9), 1201-1205.

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Article 6: Fused-Fluoran Leuco Dyes with Large Color

Summary:

The article “Fused-Fluoran Leuco Dyes with Large Color-Change Derived from Two-

Step Equilibrium: iso-Aminobenzopyranoxanthenes" covers Fluoran leuco dyes. Fluoran Leuco

dyes consist of a xanthene chromophore and a spirolactone ring as a stimulus-responsive site,

these Fluoran Leuco are organic dyes which additionally respond to external stimuli by changing

between colored and colorless forms. In their study two Fluorans are fused resulting in a large

two step color change which was reversed with a corresponding change in temperature and was

observed in a solid state. The article also goes through an Indepth explanation of their results and

provides a link to their methods for the synthesis of the bonds. The information from the article

Fused-Fluoran Leuco Dyes with Large Color-Change Derived from Two-Step Equilibrium: iso-
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Aminobenzopyranoxanthenes" will be utilized in our project’s process of dye synthesis in

particular the methods described will be useful and if possible, we will fuse more than two leuco

dyes in our project and this information will be useful in that respect.

Citation:

Shirasaki, Okamoto, Y., Muranaka, A., Kamino, S., Sawada, D., Hashizume, D., & Uchiyama,

M. (2016). Fused-Fluoran Leuco Dyes with Large Color-Change Derived from Two-Step

Equilibrium: iso-Aminobenzopyranoxanthenes. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 81(23),

12046–12051.
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Sources

Dynamic Color Change of Multifunctional Thermochromic-Fluorescent Pigments. (2016). Trans

Tech Publications.

Seeboth, Lötzsch, D., Ruhmann, R., & Muehling, O. (2014). Thermochromic

PolymersFunction by Design. Chemical Reviews, 114(5), 3037–3068.

https://doi.org/10.1021/cr400462e

Bühlmann. (2019). Photosynthesis. Philosophy Today (Celina), 63(4), 1037–1050.

https://doi.org/10.5840/philtoday2020124310

Nakajima Akio, & Ono Yoshiaki. (2002). Reversible Thermochromism Composition Having

Improved Light Resistance and Product Espacenet - Bibliographic data

White, M. A., & LeBlanc, M. (1999). Thermochromism in commerical products. Journal of

Chemical Education, 76(9), 1201-1205.

Shirasaki, Okamoto, Y., Muranaka, A., Kamino, S., Sawada, D., Hashizume, D., & Uchiyama,

M. (2016). Fused-Fluoran Leuco Dyes with Large Color-Change Derived from Two-

Step

Equilibrium: iso-Aminobenzopyranoxanthenes. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 81(23), 12046–

12051.

Berets. (2009). UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance of Thermochromic Materials Including Color-

Changing Paint.
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Fabiani. (2020). Thermochromic materials for indoor thermal comfort improvement: Finite

difference modeling and validation in a real case-study building.

Liu (2023) Multicolor-tunable biomass thermochromic dyes utilizing tea polyphenols color

developer for temperature-controlled linen fabric