Question

Fabric that changes its colour on exposure to heat and light is:

• A. Chambray
• B. Chameleon
• C. Charmeuse
• D. Viyella

Hint:

Smart textiles that respond to light are called photochromic, while those that respond to temperature changes are called thermochromic.
Both technologies are used to produce chameleon-style apparel and activewear.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Modern textile finishing includes the development of smart fabrics.
These fabrics are designed to alter their appearance, structure, or function in response to environmental stimuli.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the listed fabric types:
- Chambray (A): A plain-weave fabric woven with a colored warp and a white weft, typically made of cotton or linen.
It does not change color when exposed to environmental stimuli. Thus, (A) is incorrect.
- Chameleon fabric (B): Named after the color-changing lizard, this fabric is engineered using thermochromic or photochromic dyes.
These smart dyes change their chemical structure and light-reflecting properties when exposed to temperature changes (heat) or UV radiation (light), resulting in a change of color.
It can also be made using structured, multi-layered weave patterns that reflect different colors depending on the light angle. Thus, (B) is correct.
- Charmeuse (C): A lightweight fabric woven with a satin weave, typically made of silk or polyester, known for its smooth, glossy face. Thus, (C) is incorrect.
- Viyella (D): A blend of wool and cotton woven in a twill weave. Thus, (D) is incorrect.
Therefore, Chameleon fabric is the type that changes color on exposure to heat and light.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The fabric engineered to change its color when exposed to heat and light is Chameleon.