IR-absorbing Polymer Composition for Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent thermoplastic polymers, such as polycarbonate, exhibit high thermal permeability to infrared radiation, leading to undesirable heating in vehicles and buildings, which increases energy consumption and reduces occupant comfort, while existing IR-absorbing additives lack stability and compatibility with thermoplastics, causing color and IR stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition combining transparent thermoplastics with inorganic nanoscale pigments and specific organic colorants, including boride-based IR absorbers and anthraquinone-based dyes, to achieve high IR absorption in the 750 nm to 2500 nm range without affecting visible light transmission, ensuring stability and neutrality in color.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If transparent thermoplastic polymers are used for glazing, then breakage resistance and weight savings are improved, but thermal permeability increases leading to undesirable heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material by incorporating inorganic IR absorber particles (such as metal oxides, metal borides, or metal nitrides) into the transparent thermoplastic polymer matrix. This composite structure combines the mechanical advantages of thermoplastics with the thermal protection properties of inorganic IR absorbers, achieving both breakage resistance and reduced thermal permeability.
2Loss of energy
If IR-absorbing additives are added to reduce thermal permeability, then thermal protection is improved, but color stability and light stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific inorganic materials (metal oxides, borides, or nitrides) with appropriate band gaps that absorb IR radiation while remaining transparent or nearly transparent in the visible range. The particle size is also optimized to be in the nanometer range (0.1-10 μm), which enhances IR absorption while minimizing visible light scattering and maintaining color stability.
3Reliability
If inorganic IR absorbers are used to improve thermal stability, then processing temperature requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using surface-modified inorganic particles where only the surface requires compatibility treatment. The core inorganic material provides thermal stability and IR absorption, while the surface coating or coupling agents enable processing at standard thermoplastic temperatures. This localized modification allows the bulk material to maintain high thermal stability without requiring elevated processing temperatures.
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 composition maintains low infrared transmission, high color stability, and neutrality in the visible range, reducing heat transfer and energy consumption while maintaining transparency and design flexibility, suitable for applications in building and vehicle glazing.
Implementation Method 1
IR absorber systems that have a broad absorption spectrum in the IR range (infrared, 750 nm - 2500 nm)
Implementation Method 2
heat radiation emitted with a wavelength of 5 μm to 15 μm. Since common glazing materials in this area - particularly thermoplastic polymers that are transparent in the visible range - are not transparent, the heat radiation cannot radiate to the outside. You get a greenhouse effect
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a polymer composition that absorbs infrared (IR) radiation, containing a transparent thermoplastic plastic, an inorganic infrared absorber, also called IR absorber below, at least one inorganic nanoscale pigment, and the combination of at least two organic colorants of a special structure. The invention further relates to the production and use of the polymer compositions according to the invention and to the products produced therefrom.