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Car Paint Changes With Temperature

Posted by Zonk on from the ooo-shiny dept.

PlayfullyClever writes "It's now common to build materials which can change colors depending on their surrounding environment because of progresses made in colloid chemistry. But now, German researchers have gone a step further. They've used ion bombardment and gold metallisation to produce new particles whose bonding behavior can be chemically tailored. This could lead to new shimmering car finishes which can change with temperature or humidity, new cosmetics, but more importantly, to new applications in optical data processing"

11 of 237 comments (clear)

  1. All the ricers by doubtless · · Score: 5, Funny

    All the Ricers Rejoice!

    Now we're not limited to Type-R stickers anymore!

    --
    geek page at KY speaks
  2. New: The Mood Car by jmp_nyc · · Score: 5, Funny

    Just in time for the next wave of 70's nostalgia.
    -JMP

  3. we had this years ago by rebug · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hypercolor shirts were awesome!

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    there's more than one way to do me.
  4. I don't get it by the_humeister · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Maybe it's just me, but what's so great about using this as car paint? Certainly the article could have expanded on other uses. On the other hand, it might pretty good for my low-rider

  5. Possible flaw by MirrororriM · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I forsee one possible flaw with this technology. I am from Michigan and we see hot summers and cold winters. In winter, your hood will be much warmer than the rest of your vehicle due to the engine heat. I would think you would end up with blotches all over your car. In summer, the air conditioning, I would think, would produce similar results.

    --
    Content Management System: A pretentious way of saying "text editor."
  6. Wow.. they invented something that already exists. by Torawk · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Well I don't know if it works the same way but there is temp sensitive automotive paint you can buy now:

    http://www.alsacorp.com/products/xposurepaint/xpos urepaint_prodinfo.htm

    -Torawk

  7. Computer cases! by Sandman1971 · · Score: 5, Funny

    A better use of this technology would be to use the paint on computer cases and CPU fans, not cars! Yes, I'm a geek.

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    It's better to burn out than to fade away
  8. parking lot by lposeidon · · Score: 5, Funny

    its hard enough to find my car in a parking lot when it has normal paint. imagine trying to find your car when it changed colors. its down right impossible.

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    Lizard "Never let them set limits on your mind!"
  9. Alternative Automotive by Associate · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Paint parts of the car engine. I wouldn't mind knowing that when my intake manifold turns from white to red that it is at normal operating temperature. But if it should happen to turn purple, it's running too hot.

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    Someone hates these cans.
    1. Re:Alternative Automotive by `NS · · Score: 5, Informative

      According to a friend of mine, helicopter mechanic, they already do this to some degree. The gearbox for the tailrotor is painted with a paint which will change colours if it is goes over the maximum allowable temperature. It does not change back to its original colour after cooling down.

  10. Re:we had this years ago and it was crap then too. by kholburn · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yeah: hypercolor shirts that changed colour when you changed temperature - showed where you were sweaty etc.

    A car that has a big red splotch on the bonnet just above the engine when it warms up.

    That's got to be useful for something, NOT.