[1PS-009]
우수논문발표상 응모자High-Contrast Colorimetric Flow Sensing via Phase-Change Materials-Integrated Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Array Composite Films
발표자김영준 (단국대학교)
연구책임자박민수 (단국대학교)
Abstract
Noninvasive, continuous on-skin flow monitoring enables real-time assessment of physiological states without tissue damage. Recent studies demonstrated evaporative cooling–based cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow sensing using passive, non-electronic skin patches employing thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) arrays embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). However, the limited color sensitivity of TLCs results in weak visual contrast under small temperature gradients. Here, we present an advanced TLC skin patch that improves color contrast through asymmetric thermal modulation using phase change material (PCM) microencapsulated within a SiO₂ shell. Selective integration of PCM microcapsules into the upstream region enables clearer visual discrimination and improved quantitative analysis of flow-induced thermal gradients. This passive, materials-based approach enhances colorimetric flow sensing, offering a scalable and cost-effective strategy for on-skin biofluid flow monitoring.