Tiny crystal-like structures discovered in the wings of tropical butterflies could lead to colour changing clothing, according to scientists.
Scientists are studying the light-manipulating properties of butterfly wings in a bid to develop clothing materials that can be ‘tuned’ to change colour on demand. The same article of clothing, for example, could reflect a subdued colour during the workday, and a more ostentatious one at night.
Two real-world examples of textiles materials using the manipulation of light are Morphotex® fibres produced by Teijin Fibers Limited and Polymer Opal produced by the research collaboration between University of Cambridge and LBF Fraunhofer Institute, Darmstadt.
Morphotex fibre mimics the properties of the Morpho butterfly with the iridescent colour of its wings. They have reproduced the microscopic structure using polyester and nylon fibres in alternating layers so that light bounces and scatters between the layers to reveal a rainbow of colours.