What smart materials are good to use on my pizza box?

For my graphics coursework project I have been asked to design a pizza box that uses a smart material to show the temperature of the pizza when it is delivered. I have researched leuco dyes and I have decided to use this smart material. However I have not been able to find information on what form of dyes to use on my box. Can anyone give me more infomation on what dyes to use or any infomation i might find useful?


Thanks!|||One problem is that the outside of the box, where you would put the dye, is not a good indication of the temperature inside. In fact, a well designed box would have insulation, which increases the temperature difference.





Best is a temperature sensor inside the box with a readout on the outside of the box.





.|||A range of Leuco dye thermochromic inks can be obtained which can react and give a colour change at a range of temperatures from below room temperature to well above it so you should be able to obtain one which reacts at a low enough temperature to give a good indication of the internal temperature of your pizza box even through the cardboard.





Details of thermochromic materials both leuco dye and liquid crystal materials can be found on the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network smart materials guide. This includes a list of UK suppliers.





Best of luck with your project


Jackie Butterfield, Network Manager, Materials Knowledge Transfer Network