ATO Infrared Particles for Solar Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing solar radiation shielding materials using antimony-containing tin oxide (ATO) infrared absorbing fine particles require high amounts of ATO particles, leading to increased production costs, especially in low transmittance areas or mass production, and face challenges in controlling layer thickness due to high concentration and viscosity of the dispersion liquid.

Innovation Solution

ATO infrared absorbing fine particles with specific crystal lattice constants, crystallite sizes, and volume resistivity ranges are produced, allowing for reduced use amounts and improved dispersibility, which are then incorporated into a dispersion liquid with a thermoplastic resin, forming a dispersion body with enhanced solar radiation shielding properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods use high amounts of ATO particles to achieve desired solar radiation shielding properties, then the shielding performance is improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolar radiation shielding propertiesVSAvoidamount of ATO particles
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the particle size parameter of ATO infrared absorbing fine particles to a specific range (0.5 μm or less, preferably 0.1-0.5 μm) to enhance their infrared absorbing efficiency per unit mass, thereby reducing the total quantity needed while maintaining shielding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite dispersion liquid by combining ATO fine particles with specific binders and dispersants, optimizing the composite formulation to improve particle distribution and infrared absorption efficiency, reducing the overall ATO quantity required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional methods use high concentration dispersion liquid, then the solar radiation shielding properties are improved, but the control over layer thickness becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolar radiation shielding propertiesVSAvoidcontrol over layer thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the concentration parameter of the dispersion liquid to a moderate range (1-50 wt%), avoiding excessive concentration that would increase viscosity and hinder thickness control, while still achieving desired shielding properties through improved particle efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces specific dispersants and binders as intermediary substances to maintain stable suspension of ATO particles at moderate concentrations, ensuring uniform distribution and controllable coating thickness without requiring high particle concentrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The approach significantly reduces the amount of ATO particles needed for desired solar radiation shielding properties, lowering production costs and enabling better control over layer thickness, resulting in efficient and cost-effective solar radiation shielding materials.

Implementation Method 1

antimony-containing tin oxide infrared absorbing fine particles having a solar radiation shielding function... transmit visible light... remove and reduce infrared rays that greatly contribute to a thermal effect in sunlight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3357865B1Infrared absorbing particles, and dispersion liquid, dispersion, laminated transparent substrate, film, and glass using same, and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO LTD
  • EP3357865B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

ATO infrared absorbing fine particles having high coloring property (high light absorption property) which has both excellent dispersibility and solar radiation shielding properties and can reduce a use amount of ATO infrared ray absorbing fine particles can be provided, wherein crystal lattice constant a is 4.736 Å or more and 4.743 or less, crystal lattice constant c is 3.187 Å or more and 3.192 Å or less, and a crystallite size is 5.5 nm or more and 10.0 nm or less, which are analyzed by an X-ray diffraction measurement result.