Thermochromic Liquid Crystals: Materials and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Thermochromic liquid crystals (TLCs) have been a source of fascination for scientists since their appearance in the latter half of the 20th century. The unique combination of liquid–crystal properties in these materials, alongside their captivating colour-changing optical effects, has opened doors to a large variety of applications across many fields of science and technology. The utilization of TLCs has significantly impacted the advancement of liquid crystal thermography, medical diagnostics, temperature mapping, the study of complex flow patterns, the development of smart materials and applications, and many more. Unlocking the potential of these materials requires a deep understanding of their molecular structure, optical properties, adaptability to specific substrates and systems, as well as cognition of their durability, stability, and reliability.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive perspective of emerging insights, knowledge, and technologies related to Thermochromic Liquid Crystal materials, as well as to show advances in their possible applications.

We warmly welcome the submission of original research articles as well as review articles on the areas including, but not limited to, the following: the development of new or hybrid TLC materials, sensing technology, advances in image processing, calibration systems, colour perception of the TLCs, multispectral imaging in liquid crystals thermography, spatial and temporal surface thermal distribution, impact of TLCs composition, applying methods and surface preparation on thermochromic behaviour, fibre- and bio-based substrates for TLCs, advances in TLC applications, smart packaging and temperature indication systems, security features, and lightfastness.

Dr. Maja Strižić Jakovljević
Dr. Stephen J. Cowling
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• thermochromics
• liquid crystals
• smart packaging
• applications
• optics
• image processing
• multispectral imaging
• bio-based substrates
• temperature indication
• security
• lightfastness