This project explores the fabrication of a thermochromic smart window that adjusts transparency with temperature to reduce unwanted heat gain. Using thermochromic pigment or liquid crystal materials embedded in a binder and applied to glass or acrylic sheets, the experiment demonstrates how coatings can dynamically change color or opacity when exposed to varying thermal conditions. Students test performance by applying controlled heating and cooling cycles, recording transition temperatures, and evaluating coating uniformity and repeatability, developing skills in materials processing and thermal analysis.
 
The results highlight how thermochromic systems regulate light and heat transmission, mimicking real-world smart window technologies used for energy efficiency in modern architecture. By analyzing durability, responsiveness, and optimization factors such as binder ratios and layer thickness, students gain insight into the challenges of scaling responsive materials for practical use. This project provides a hands-on introduction to the intersection of materials science, optics, and sustainable design.