Taiwan researchers on Wednesday unveiled leather shoes that can change colour when they come in contact with sunlight. The invention by the Footwear & Recreation Technology Research Institute wants to make women's shoes more colourful and make wearers aware of the level of ultraviolet rays, Wang Jung-jen, one of the researchers, said.
The colour change was produced by the researchers spaying the leather with micro capsules containing luminous particles and resin. "The leather shoes' base colour is white. But within 30 seconds after coming into contact with sunlight, the colour gradually changes to pink, orange or purple, depending on the ingredients we spray on to the leather," Wang said by phone.
Depending on the design, either the whole shoe, or part of it can change its colour, he added. Currently the colour-changing function can last for up to 60 hours. The institute plans to pass on this technology to shoe factories. According to Wang, the procedure increases the cost of leather shoes by 15-20 per cent. The institute also plans to launch colour-changing handbags and bicycle saddles.
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