Liquid crystal technology is used daily, but its applications extend far beyond TVs and smartphones to protect people and products.
Key takeaways:
- What are liquid crystals?
- What is the science behind them?
- What innovative products has SpotSee created with this technology?
- What are the limitations and advantages of liquid crystal technology?
- How can SpotSee’s product line improve everything from product safety to cold chain management?
Liquid Crystal (LC) technology utilizes liquid crystals as its key component, offering remarkable versatility. One of its most common applications is liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in electronic devices like televisions, computer monitors, and smartphones. More recently, the technology has been used in smart windows, which can switch between transparent and opaque states. However, some of the most important applications of LC technology are in thermochromic devices, which are increasingly used in healthcare for temperature monitoring, supply chain management for monitoring conditions during transport, and various industrial applications where precise temperature changes need to be tracked.
SpotSee ® is an industry-leading company specializing in condition-indicating technology solutions utilizing LC. It offers innovative products to monitor and indicate if products or equipment have been mishandled during transit or storage. One of SpotSee’s areas of expertise lies in developing temperature indicators that help businesses monitor the condition of their goods and assets.
Using state-of-the-art technology, SpotSee’s solutions provide real-time visibility into potentially damaging conditions, allowing companies to take prompt action and mitigate risks. In this article, we’ll explore liquid crystal technology, the science, its advantages and disadvantages, and dive into SpotSee’s TLC thermometers.
What are liquid crystals?
Liquid Crystals (LCs) are unique states of matter that exhibit properties of both liquids and solids. They are anisotropic, meaning their properties vary depending on the direction in which they are measured. LCs are composed of molecules that align themselves in an ordered manner, typically along one or two preferred directions.
- Thermotropic liquid crystals (TLCs), such as those used in SpotSee products, change their properties, including color, with temperature changes. One common type of thermotropic liquid crystal is the cholesteric liquid crystal, which exhibits a helical structure. When light interacts with the helical structure, it gets selectively reflected, resulting in colors. The specific color reflected depends on the pitch of the helix and can change with temperature. As the temperature increases, the pitch of the helix changes, resulting in a different reflected color.
- Chiral nematic liquid crystals are another type of thermotropic liquid crystal that can exhibit color changes with temperature. Like cholesteric liquid crystals, they also form helical structures that reflect certain wavelengths of light.
The Science
Thermochromic behavior refers to the ability of certain materials to change color with temperature changes. The mechanism behind this color change can vary depending on the specific material and its molecular structure. Generally, it involves changes in the arrangement or conformation of molecules, which results in altered absorption or reflection of light.
The molecular structure of thermochromic materials often contains functional groups that undergo reversible chemical reactions or physical changes in response to temperature. These changes lead to modifications in the material’s electronic properties, affecting its light absorption across the visible spectrum. For example, in some thermochromic dyes, electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups can cause shifts in the absorption maxima, resulting in different perceived colors.
About TLCs
Thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCs) are a type of thermochromic material that exhibits unique behavior due to their liquid crystalline properties. TLCs consist of mesogenic (liquid crystalline) molecules with anisotropic shapes that spontaneously organize into ordered structures. The color change in TLCs is usually associated with changes in the arrangement of these mesogenic molecules.
There are three main types of TLC mixtures: cholesteric, chiral nematic, and combination.
- Cholesteric TLCs contain mesogenic molecules organized in a helical structure, where the pitch (the distance required for a full twist) of the helix and the molecules’ orientation determine the color perceived.
- Chiral nematic TLCs also have a helical structure but with a fixed pitch, resulting in a color that depends on the mesogenic molecules’ orientation.
- Combination TLCs combine aspects of both cholesteric and chiral nematic structures.
- Lyotropic liquid crystals form in certain solvents, typically composed of a solvent and a solute. They exhibit different phases depending on the concentration of the solute. These materials find applications in various fields, such as drug delivery, personal care products, and biomaterials.
The temperature sensitivity of TLCs depends on the specific material and its molecular properties. Some TLCs can exhibit immediate color changes with small temperature variations, while others may require significant temperature shifts. The accuracy of temperature measurement using TLCs relies on factors such as the calibration of the material, its stability, and the temperature range over which it operates.
SpotSee’s line of liquid crystal formulations can be formulated to react to temperatures between -30°C (-22°F) and 120°C (248°F) and respond to changes in temperature as small as 0.1°C (0.2°F). They are also accurate up to +/- 1°C, and if stored and used correctly, they can remain functional for several years.
SpotSee’s liquid crystal products and their uses
SpotSee’s LC product range offers solutions for various applications to serve different industries and needs:
- Cold chain: SpotSee’s LC products help monitor and ensure the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods during transportation, storage, and distribution. These solutions provide real-time indications or temperature changes to help prevent spoilage or damage in the cold chain.
- Temperature/humidity: SpotSee’s LC products monitor temperature and humidity levels in various environments, promoting safety and quality control.
- Disinfection/Sterilization/Food Safety: The LC range includes monitoring devices that aid in maintaining cleanliness, sterilization, and food safety. They offer reliable temperature, humidity, and exposure proof to ensure compliance with stringent standards and regulations.
- Forehead/body temperature: SpotSee’s LC devices can accurately measure both forehead and body temperature. These solutions are useful in healthcare settings, assisting with quick and non-invasive temperature monitoring to detect fever or abnormal readings.
- Urine test strips: SpotSee’s LC product range extends to urine test strips. BrightDot® strips deliver rapid and accurate results for various parameters, helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions.
- Blood bag indicators: These detail the time and temperature history of the blood unit. Once activated, the irreversible portion changes color from blue to non-blue when the blood temperature increases and time passes. Once the indicator has lost its blue color, it will not return to its original color even if the blood unit is re-cooled. This ensures the user of the unit’s time and temperature history.
In addition to the above applications, SpotSee’s LC products can be employed in other areas, such as non-destructive testing, to detect flaws or irregularities without causing damage. They also excel in thermal mapping, providing insights into temperature distribution and identifying hot or cold spots.
SpotSee’s LC range is not limited to industrial uses alone. It also finds application in education, where liquid crystal sheets can facilitate hands-on learning and experimentation. The LC range also includes customizable solutions for promotional and decorative purposes, enhancing branding experiences and aesthetics.
Deep dive: TLC Thermometers by SpotSee
SpotSee’s TLC thermometers are innovative temperature monitoring devices that offer a range of functionalities, and some of their uses might surprise you.
For example, a popular application of SpotSee’s TLC thermometers is in aquariums and room temperature monitoring. These thermometers are used by fish keepers and pet owners to maintain the ideal temperature for aquatic life and to ensure the comfort of their pets. With their high accuracy, TLC thermometers help create the perfect environment for different types of organisms.
Another popular use is in the medical field. These thermometers are commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities to monitor patient temperatures. Whether checking body temperature during a routine check-up or monitoring fever, SpotSee’s TLC thermometers provide precise and reliable readings.
Industrial temperature monitoring is another area where SpotSee’s TLC thermometers excel. These thermometers are employed in various industrial settings, such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, and laboratories, to monitor temperature levels and ensure optimal operating conditions. By tracking temperatures in real-time, TLC thermometers help prevent damage to sensitive equipment and ensure worker safety.
The benefits
There are numerous benefits to using SpotSee’s TLC thermometers.
- They offer high accuracy, ensuring precise temperature measurements. This accuracy is crucial when precision is vital, such as in medical applications or industrial processes.
- SpotSee’s TLC thermometers are cost-effective. They provide a reliable and long-lasting temperature monitoring solution without needing frequent replacements or maintenance to save time and money.
- Real-time temperature monitoring for immediate detection of any deviations or abnormalities. This timely information empowers users to take corrective actions promptly, preventing potential problems and mitigating risks.
TLC advantages and limitations
LCs offer amazing benefits but have limitations. However, the benefits of using LCs, such as their sensitivity to temperature changes, reusability, and versatility, make them valuable materials in various fields. Ongoing research and development are focused on improving their stability, expanding their applications, and overcoming their limitations.
- Advantage: sensitivity to temperature changes. Liquid crystals (LCs) undergo changes in their molecular arrangement based on temperature variations. This property makes them useful in various applications such as temperature sensors, thermochromic materials, and liquid crystal displays (LCDs).
- Advantage: reusability and longevity: LCs return to their original state after experiencing external stimuli like changes in temperature or electric fields. This makes them reusable and long-lasting, reducing waste and increasing their value in many industries.
- Advantage: versatility in different applications: LCs have many applications, including LCDs for televisions, mobile devices, and computer monitors. Their unique properties make them suitable for optical switches, laser beam steering, and smart windows.
- Limitation: environmental sensitivity. LCs can be sensitive to environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light and solvents. Exposure to UV light can degrade the properties of LCs, leading to reduced performance over time. Certain solvents can dissolve LCs, limiting their use in certain environments.
- Limitation: degradation over time: While LCs may have a long lifetime, they are not immune to degradation. Temperature, mechanical stress, and aging can affect their properties and performance. Researchers are continually working to develop more stable and durable LC materials to address this challenge.
The significance of LC technology
LC technology is important for various industries due to its unique properties and applications. It provides innovative solutions to monitor and track critical parameters in real-time. SpotSee, a pioneer and leader in LC applications, has contributed immensely to this technology and continues to drive advancements in various industries.
SpotSee has introduced temperature indicators and recorders that employ LC technology to enable accurate temperature monitoring during storage and transportation. This ensures that goods and products are maintained within the required temperature range. This is crucial for pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals, where temperature control is essential to protect product integrity and consumer safety.
By embracing SpotSee’s LC-based solutions, you can benefit from real-time monitoring, accurate data analysis, and precise control of critical parameters. This will enable you to make informed decisions and provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your assets are being monitored and protected effectively.
Don’t miss out on the opportunities offered by SpotSee’s LC technology. Utilize SpotSee’s state-of-the-art LC solutions to embrace innovation, optimize your operations, and stay at the forefront of your industry. Let SpotSee be your partner in achieving success and excellence in your field. Just fill out our simple form, and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours.
