Comments on: DIY Thermochromism

Question: DIY Thermochromism

divabat — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:34:31 -0800

Where do I find a small square of material that changes colour by touch? Is this even possible?

I've got an idea for an art project that involves a passport-photo-sized square of material that would change colour by touch. I was originally inspired by a science experiment as a kid that involved a square of an LCD display, similar to what they used in calculators. However, I'm having a hard time finding LCD display sheets that aren't attached to a bulky electronic setup, and I don't have the tools to dismantle a calculator (nor a calculator to dismantle).

Google searches bring up thermochromic material and Hypercolour but again I can't seem to find a way to get non-industrial sizes. I just need something thin and small.

Are there any other ways to achieve this effect?

By: tilde

tilde — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:37:21 -0800

What kind of "material" - do you mean fabric?

If not ... what about this from a teacher supply web site?

By: tilde

tilde — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:42:06 -0800

Wow, you really can buy this kind of fabric in yards! Though I guess a full yard is a LOT for your project. Maybe you can contact them and buy a scrap bag?

By: kimdog

kimdog — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:45:41 -0800

There are t-shirts on eBay. You could just cut out what you need.

By: divabat

divabat — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:58:58 -0800

tilde: BINGO. Thank you!!!

By: tilde

tilde — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:01:56 -0800

I can't tell if this trick is sleight of hand or thermochromatic. $4 plus shipping.

You're in San Fran - call the Exploratorium. I bought a post card there years ago that was like that (but cardboard of course).
.

By: tilde

tilde — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:02:31 -0800

Oh, yay! And thank you for posting, I learned something(s) new today!

By: metaBugs

metaBugs — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:02:37 -0800

An alternative source for the small squares of the thermochromic film that tilde linked, above. The same site also links temperature sensitive glass, but it doesn't seem to be available at the moment.

By: divabat

divabat — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:33:42 -0800

tilde: those silks would likely be sleight of hand (I used to be a stage magic nut).

By: anaelith

anaelith — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 04:56:02 -0800

A second solution would be to buy several stress/mood cards (widely available online, sometimes in gag gift or science-y shops), disassemble them, and put the little thermochromatic plastic pieces side by side.