SFXC Smart Materials and Pigments

Here at SFXC, we stock many smart materials. As science and technology continue to produce ingenious and useful solutions, SFXC will bring you these amazing products to give your project the edge. For creative applications there is no end to how you can use them- just use your imagination!

Thermochromic pigments change colour when heat is applied. These pigments are made from polymers with a helical molecular structure that bend and contract as their activation temperatures is reached. Thermochromic inks are reversible.

On this page we sell a thermochromic trial pack for paper, board and fabrics/textiles. It has a matt finish. If you need the ink to be thinner, just add a little water- no more than 10%. For screen printing with this ink, use a 70T mesh approximately 30–35gms per sqm. Due to its slight transparency, two or more passes may be required; especially when concealing a design.

Photochromic pigment will change colour when exposed to sunlight. Glow in the dark pigment gains energy from light and then emits a bright, colourful glow when in darkness.

You are probably familiar with Liquid Crystal Displays. These systems are commonly used for customer information signs on roads and railways. The liquid crystal available here comes as easy-to-use liquid crystal sheets that can be wiped clean. In addition, we have a range of other smart sheets and vinyls that you can browse, such as films which become transparent with water. More smart products available include electrical screen printing ink and pigments that shift in colour…

For example, Rolux lenticular sheets give an illusion of movement and have a 3D appearance. There are many applications for these products such as art and design, technological or medical purposes and for promotional materials.

If you want to purchase trade quantities, please contact us.