SBIR Phase I:Serially Customized Security Films Harnessing Color-shifting Microstructures

The broader impact / commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project relates to the development and commercial utility of color-shifting security films.Such security films produce color from light reflections in three-dimensionally designed microstructure-arrays. Approximately 5% of the world trade is estimated to be impacted by counterfeit or pirated products, negatively affecting a broad range of markets while putting the safety of consumers at risk. There is a need and market opportunity to implement new, effective strategies and technologies to counteract counterfeiters and communicate authenticity to end users. The value of the technology developed in this project is based on a distinguished optical mechanism that enables the creation of tunable and visually distinctive color changing appearances that can not be imitated or copied. Outcomes include the development of roll-to-roll manufactured structural color film with colors that are serially customizable. The initial target market is focused on consumer brand protection and supply chain security. Target customers include security feature provider companies through joint-development, direct sales, and/or licensing. Potential annual revenue in year three is estimated between $1M-$3M.This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 project will pursue two technical aims in the research development of microstructured color-shifting security films. The first technical objective is to increase total reflectivity without compromising color saturation. Overcoming this hurdle is necessary to ensure that the films are eye-catching under a range of non-optimal lighting conditions. A combination of simulations and experimentation will be used to design and optimize the reflective efficiency of the films. Roll-to-roll fabrication of the optimized structure geometries will be demonstrated. The second technical objective is the demonstration of serial color patterning for customized printing of iridescent films. Serial customization of color, for instance with bar codes or numbers, will enable integration of the films with digital security platforms. Evaluation of microstructure geometry and processing parameters will be conducted to determine color consistency and repeatability while achieving high spatial resolution.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.