Research - Windows

Using liquid crystal polymer (LCP) technology from 3M Co, of St Paul, Minnesota, Marvin Windows' Switchable Privacy Glass turns frosted at the flip of a switch. A small electric current is sent through the film, aligning the liquid crystals and allowing clear vision through the window. When the electricity is turned off, the crystals return to their random state and appear frosted, blocking vision, says 3M. When the window is frosted, it lets through almost the same amount of light as when it is in the clear state, but the liquid crystals diffuse it for more even lighting and a softer overall effect, reports Plastics News (Akron, Ohio, USA). The glass is also said to reduce ultraviolet ray penetration by as much as 99%.