Smart glass

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Material analysis

CSI Number: 088100

Traditional uses / information

AKA Switchable glass, smart windows or switchable windows
Refers to electrically switchable glass or glazing which changes light transmission properties when voltage is applied
Window openings, skylights
Office partitions
Conference rooms
Bank teller windows
Hospitals & dental offices
Display & Storefronts
Bullet-proof security glass
Residential Bathrooms

Emerging uses / trends

Anywhere that plate glass can be used with the added benefit of having privacy capability
Lobbies/ atriums
Window displays
Nightclubs
Shower & toilet stalls
Refrigeration appliances
Switches & sensors may be timed to change between clear and translucent according to music

Finish and aesthetic qualities

Changes from clear to translucent with the flick of a switch
Allows flexibility within the environment to be either open/clear in appearance or closed/opaque for privacy.
Glass colors range from clear, bronze or gray tints

Surface forms / shapes

Typical square and rectangular forms same as plate glass
Manufacturer will work with any glazing contractor to fit the needs of the application
Usually able to form any shape available in standard glazing, provided area is available to house electrical wiring
Curvature radius possible:300 to 3000 mm
Can be customized
High gloss or low gloss finish

Cost analysis

Ranges from $110- $160/ sq. ft.

Material properties

Primary structural use

Tension
Non-structural

Material performance

ON: 75% light transmittance,7.5% haze
OFF: 74% light transmittance, 94% haze
Response time 100 milliseconds

Dimensional and opening restriction

1/8” glass thickness = 13/32" installation thickness
3/16” glass thickness = 9/16" installation thickness
1/4” glass thickness = 5/8" installation thickness
Glass thickness is the thickness of the glass. The installation thickness is the total of the glass thickness and the edge protector
38”w x 114” h max
Custom sizes available
Material gives allusion of opening without an actual opening

Acoustic property

Little to no accoustical dampening, sound waves reflect almost 100%

Manufacturing process and assembly

Comprised of a layer of glass, interlayer films and an LC film
The LC film covers liquid crystals and polymer. Sandwiched between the materials is a layer of conductive coatings which are transparent
The conductive coatings connect to the power supply
Requires electrical connection in order to change properties
Interior applications can not be exposed to water
Panes require edge protectors that need to be factored in when figuring size of openings
Weight must be supported by a frame, may not be glued
Can not be drilled post-manufacture
Can be adhered to the inside of glass or plastic
When switch is off the liquid crystals are dispersed randomly & spread the light in every direction. The off position is translucent.
When the switch is on the liquid crystals adjust and line up, and change to a tranparent condition.

Environmental impact

(Sustainability, Off-gassing issuesMaintenance/Resilience/Durability:)

Electrical connection adds to energy consumption (though less than 1 watt per foot)
Does away with need for separate blinds, window treatments or privacy curtains which often collect dust
Gain privacy without losing light transmission
Unfortunately LC technology does not have the UV protection switching that can be provided with sister products SPD or Electrochromic glass. However, UV or other light and heat blocking coatings can be added directly to the glass for constant blocking.
Life indoors is less than 10 years

LEED

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Life Safety & Rating Standards

Flammability rating

Can be used in combinations with other fireproof glass
When tested in accordance with the ASTM E84 - Fire performance: Flame spread 25 maximum rating, Smoke Development 40 maximum rating

Student contributions

Blair Dubak, spring 2008
Jen Koffel, spring 2007
Amy Tufts, spring 2009

External links

Leading manufacturers