A study to determine the feasibility (if depositing photochromic polymer coatings is proposed. Because it has been proven possible to deposit intrinsically colored polymer coatings and because the system so well behaves the physics of colloidal chemistry, it seems logical to attempt to extend the science of photochromic materials. The program is designed to demonstrate feasibility of a photochromic polymer coating and then optimize the colloid particle size and density in the host polymer based upon system time for reversibilty and light absorption in the dark mode. A hybrid solid deposition process is proposed which involves depositing the polymer material by plasma polymerization and depositing the photochromic material by thermal evaporation from a thermally shielded source.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The potential commercial application is in the production of optical lenses, automobile windows, aircraft windows, and architectural glass.
