Thermoscattering materials and devices

Abstract

Thermally reversible light scattering materials are provided in accordance with the invention including a low melting, polymeric material dispersed in a polymer matrix; a first polymer which upon heating from a temperature below its melting point to a temperature above its melting point changes from a light scattering solid to a liquid, the first polymer being dispersed in a matrix provided by a second polymer to form a light scattering polymer material when cold and a less or non-light scattering material when hot; and thermally reversible light scattering materials which go from light scattering at lower temperatures to less or non-light scattering at higher temperatures. The thermally reversible light scattering materials of the invention can be incorporated in many applications including a window which can reversibly change from a privacy condition to a non-privacy or clear condition; a window which can reversibly change between displaying images or objects to obscuring images or objects; a layer which can reversibly change between being clear and frosted by cycling the temperature of the layer; a reversible display; a temperature indicating material or device.