See how MaterialGladiators connects creators with chemists to solve impossible material challenges.
"I need flexible dragon scales that shift from green to gold at 85°F. Must be paintable, durable for convention wear, and budget-friendly. Previous attempts: Thermochromic powder mixed with resin (too brittle), liquid crystal sheets (can't paint over them)."
"Modified TPU base with embedded thermochromic microcapsules. The breakthrough: adding 5% plasticizer keeps it flexible at room temp but stable at body temp."
Materials cost: ~$18 per sq ft
"Sandwich approach: thin LC sheet between clear TPU layers. Top layer is matte-finished for paint adhesion. Results in smoother color transition."
Materials cost: ~$24 per sq ft
"Silicone base with thermochromic pigment dispersion technique I developed. Key insight: dispersing in silicone oil first prevents clumping."
Materials cost: ~$12 per sq ft ⭐ Lowest cost!
Voting ends in: 2 days, 14 hours
Prize distribution: Winner gets 80% ($280), Platform keeps 20% ($70)