The visible spectrum of light ranges between 390nm and
700nm. Infra red light goes above 700nm, while the light below 390nm is the
ultraviolet light. Sunlight is a mixture of electromagnetic waves ranging from
infrared to ultraviolet rays, and visible light in between. This sunlight can
cause the inside of buildings to heat up when it passes through the windows. Lower
wavelength light has more energy than high energy light, thus causing faster
heating. Therefore, visible light has more energy than infrared light, which
causes more heating up. So what are we supposed to do? Keep the windows shut
and covered with drapes throughout the day? Well, there is a better option.
Read the blog below to know.
Instead of covering the windows to block the sunlight and heat, you can reduce the heat buildup by putting infrared absorbers into polycarbonate sheets to block the infrared light wavelengths. Using such infrared wavelength blocking polycarbonate sheet is a great way to let light come in without harming the indoors with heat, ultimately reducing energy bills. This is why such polycarbonate sheets are becoming highly popular.
Although ultraviolet light absorbers are very common,
infrared absorbers are still making their way into many applications today.
However, with benefits of these absorbers coming up, they are increasing in
usage. They are currently being used in laser operating devices, welder face
shields, military eyewear, medical eyewear, electric utility workers face
shields, skiing goggles, plastic film laser welding, optical shutters, and
lithographic printing plates. But now, these infrared absorbers are being used
in polycarbonate roofing sheets too to
provide as great roofing options to be used in various applications and
structures.
Properties
of infrared
Infrared absorbers have not only offered protection from
infrared radiation, but also offer high impact strength at lower costs than
glass plates otherwise used. The various properties of infrared absorbers that
are of highest importance include –
Visible light
transmission
The human eye is most sensitive to light between 490n and
560nm. Thus, minimization of infrared light and maximization of visible light
is always seeked for. However, infrared absorbers absorb both visible light and
infrared light, and add some colour to the moulded area.
Absorption
The measure of infrared blocking power per unit weight of
the absorber at a specific wavelength is what determines its absorption level.
Higher absorption level means more blocking power.
Thermal stability
The maximum safe moulding temperature of infrared absorbers
ranges from 480F to 520F. If this temperature is exceeding, the absorber will
burn off and the first few pieces moulded after the break will be rejected.
Therefore, the maximum exposure temperature and time must be carefully
calculated and applied. Also, the amount of absorber required to block the
desired amount of radiation must be calculated cautiously.
Haze
Although haze has been an issue with infrared absorbers,
which is caused by impurities in the infrared dye that do not dissolve in
polycarbonate and dramatically reduce visibility, now-a-days the impurities are
completely removed, thus eliminating haze and improving thermal stability.
Very interesting article. It will be useful for the people who are searching for Polycarbonate sheets.For building green houses Polycarbonate Sheets are preferred mostly. The color wont fade easily. The panels will be less weighted so it can be easily shifted.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for such a good article.
ReplyDeleteTransport fans