Can you imagine a roof that changes color according to the climate? It is real! Here it is. A team of MIT graduates developed these roof tiles that changes color depending on temperature. They call it as 'Thermeleon'. The tiles become black in dark and cold weather and absorbs heat but when it is hot and sunny day they turn white to reflect most of the sun's heat, nearly about 80% of the sunlight falling is reflected by the tiles, and when it is black only about 30 %.
Commercial polymer in water solution is used for its manufacturing of this tile. In their original prototype the solution is encapsulated between layers of glass and plastic.In later version, it will be between flexible plastic layers and a dark layer at the back.
When the temperature is low the polymer stays dissolved, and the black back surface becomes visible and absorbs sun's heat. But when the temperature rises the polymer condenses to form white tiny droplets whose small sizes scatter light.
As the materials are inexpensive and commonly available these tiles can be manufactured at prices comparable to conventional roofing materials. However they are yet to decide on the final version and are working with the tiles to improve its properties. Wait for the tiles to change our home moods.
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