Background: IR and UV reflective polymer films or coatings have been deposited on windows to prevent IR and UV penetration inside the house. This decreases the energy consumption for cooling the house and prevents UV discoloration damage to the carpets and appliances inside. The conventional method for this window treatment is expensive because of the cost of high vacuum deposition technique and the high degree of preciseness needed to control the thickness of the polymer film. Technology Description: Researchers at the University of California have discovered a low-cost method of preparing the IR and UV reflective polymer film and applying thin layers of this polymer to a surface. Thin layers of the polymer film are prepared using external magnetic field and UV radiation. This obviates the need for expensive manufacturing techniques. Applications: 1) Polymeric film prevents conductive heat transfer thereby decreasing energy for cooling and heating a building. 2) Attaching the polymer film on the interior side of the window prevents the escape of internal heat through IR radiation to outside. 3) Improving safety of the window glass because the polymer film protects the glass from breaking. 4) Increasing the window surface\'s toughness and scratch resistance. 5) Improving soundproofing.
1) Low-cost method of production 2) Photocatalytic self-cleaning property 3) Adjustable filter quality 4) Not sensitive to roughness of surfaces 5) Flexible filters can be applied to already available windows or glass