Marie Ledendal: Colour Science & Technology (Smart Textiles)

2nd year

Student profile: Marie Ledendal

I attended an interdisciplinary lecture on the subject of heat-sensitive (thermochromic) dyes bridging design and chemistry given by Prof. Robert Christie at a conference in Sweden in 2008. The interdisciplinary approach to research – together with the fact that it was being applied to the materials that I was, at the time, working on – was one of the main reasons why I chose Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textile & Design for my PhD in Smart Textiles.

I found it highly beneficial to work side by side with chemists as well as designers. This creates possibilities for a designer to discuss the use of the textile in relation to an application scenario, to exploit molecular developments in order to tailor materials, and to find applications for future materials before they are commercially available.

The most interesting aspect of this research is being able to work on future applications with materials and techniques that are still being developed through research.

About my research project

My research explores the impact and aesthetic outcome within a textile print designer’s design process when using the sun – an uncontrollable changeable activating variable – to activate thermochromic dyes, which are dynamic elements.

The aim is to activate the heat-sensitive dye using solar technology, a controllable energy-sustainable solution. This is done by direct activation and through an incorporated system of heat circuitry within the textile which is charged by photovoltaic solar cells.

The excellent technical facilities and laboratories in the School of Textile & Design were additional reasons why I chose to do my PhD here

Support & opportunities

The research structure and the internal support that I have received at Heriot-Watt University have also meant that I have been able to build networks with other departments at the University, which has furthered my research.

I've also been given the opportunity to take part in teaching while doing my studies. I feel this is of importance when wanting to stay on within academia after the PhD.

University facilities

The excellent technical facilities and laboratories in the School of Textiles & Design were additional reasons why I chose to do my PhD here.

Within my postgraduate Masters studies in Textile Design at The Swedish School of Textiles, Borås, I spent a short period of study at the Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textile & Design. This was to compile work for my final Masters project and I was able, with some help, to prepare photochromic yarns (ultra-violet light sensitive yarns) from polymer grains.

This was something that, for me as a designer, was highly exiting and new. This gave me the ability to design constituent parts of my final textiles: from the yarn itself to the final design. I wanted to do a practical PhD that required having access to well equipped printing (both screen and inkjet) and dyeing labs as well as laser technology.

I knew that Heriot-Watt offered these from my previous experience. I have valued the possibility to be able to work independently in the labs as well as together with the knowledgeable technical staff at the School.

Based on my time so far, I would recommend future design researchers to choose Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles & Design as their choice of university.