To achieve faster market penetration of its new technology for liquid crystal window (LCW) modules, Germany’s Merck KGaA will spend around €15 million to establish a dedicated production unit at a location still to be announced. Like the liquid crystals business itself, the new activity will be part of the Display Materials business unit within the Darmstadt-based chemicals and pharmaceuticals group’s Performance Materials segment. Manufacture of the switchable glass modules is planned to start at the end of 2017, with products to be marketed under the licrivision brand name.

Merck said exploiting liquid crystal window technology is an important step in its LC 2021 strategic initiative and reflects its efforts to leverage its market and technology leadership in liquid crystals beyond the current use in displays. The plans build on the June 2014 acquisition of Peer+, a Dutch specialist for liquid crystal window technology, with which it has collaborating closely since 2011.

Walter Galinat, Merck managing board member and CEO of Performance Materials, said the company sees the move as a “major opportunity to shape the market for liquid crystals in windows.” The Darmstadt group, he said, has no plans to compete with glass and window manufacturers, however. The modules produced are prototypes that can be processed by its customers to make smart windows and glass building exteriors.

Switchable liquid crystal windows currently have two main applications: darkening the glass to provide sun protection or making the glass opaque for privacy. Currently used primarily used in architecture, automotive applications are being developed. Merck said it has already tested the first of its intended applications for the new liquid crystal windows. The west side of its modular Innovation Center in Darmstadt has been fitted with the prototype for over one year now and the effects are being received “very positively.” The new OLED production building currently being built at Darmstadt has also been fitted with LC windows that provide improved energy and light management.

Compared with competitive technologies, the Merck materials are said to offer high color neutrality and at the same time “contribute significantly to a sustainable building climate control system.” Initial measurements, the group said, have shown energy savings of up to 40%.