Reflectin Protein Films for Dynamic Infrared Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared (IR) coatings are not dynamic and cannot be tuned to respond to changing thermal conditions, are expensive, toxic, and lack compatibility with soft materials like textiles, and do not effectively reflect IR radiation.
Innovation Solution
Development of thin films made from reflectin proteins derived from cephalopods, which can be applied to various substrates to create IR reflective coatings with tunable IR reflectance, allowing for dynamic control of IR transmission and reflection to aid in thermoregulation and alter IR visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional IR coatings (gold, aluminum, polyvinylidene fluoride, fibrous clays) are used, then IR reflection is achieved, but cost increases and manufacturing processes become toxic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive conventional IR coatings (gold, aluminum) with reflectin proteins that can be applied as inexpensive thin films. The reflectin-based coating achieves comparable IR reflection performance at lower cost, eliminating the need for costly precious metals while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of IR coatings by using protein-based reflectin materials instead of traditional inorganic coatings. This parameter change enables non-toxic manufacturing processes while maintaining IR reflection functionality, addressing both cost and environmental concerns.
2Reliability
If conventional IR coatings are used, then IR radiation reflection is achieved, but compatibility with textiles and soft substrates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs reflectin thin films that can be conformally applied to soft substrates and textiles. The protein-based coating forms flexible, adherent layers that maintain IR reflection performance while accommodating the deformation and curvature of soft materials, unlike rigid conventional coatings.
3Reliability
If static IR coatings are used, then consistent IR reflection is achieved, but ability to respond to changing thermal conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates dynamically responsive IR coatings using reflectin proteins that can change their structural conformation in response to thermal stimuli. This dynamic behavior allows the coating to adjust its IR reflection properties in real-time based on ambient temperature and thermal conditions, enabling adaptive thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature-induced conformational changes in reflectin proteins to dynamically alter the optical properties of the coating. As temperature varies, the protein structure transitions between different states, changing the coating's IR reflectance in a controlled manner to respond to thermal conditions.
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 reflectin protein thin films provide a non-toxic, cost-effective, and adaptable solution for IR management, enabling efficient thermoregulation and camouflage by dynamically altering IR reflectance in response to environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
The reflectin films are sufficiently thick to reflect IR wavelengths... the peak reflectance wavelength increases as film thickness increases
Implementation Method 2
infrared (IR) reflective coatings... reflect substantial amounts of IR radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Reflectin proteins are proteins derived from cephalopods (certain species of squid) which have unusual optical properties. Disclosed herein are thin films of reflectin proteins which can be tuned to reflect infrared light. Advantageously, the films can be tuned dynamically over short time scales, to reflect at different wavelengths. Disclosed herein are novel infrared-reflective coatings, methods of making such coatings, and infrared-reflective objects such as textiles, building materials, and camouflage materials.