Nanotechnology Of Window Films Used In Commercial Tinting Protects The Environment

With the passage of time, architectural design and construction of building have seen dramatic changes. It is no more considered as covering an open space with four walls and of course with a roof on a strong foundation with a few windows and doors for ventilation and entry and exit of the inhabitants.

Architecture has become more artistic, and you will see windows being replaced by large openings and holes of different geometric and abstract figures. Even doors are replaced by glasses that are either revolving or sliding part to allow entry or exit. Leave alone the door and windows. Architectures now also cover the entire building with glass in the exteriors.

The glass is ideally transparent and therefore allows light to pass through it. Good! You do not need the lights and thus save on your energy bills. Now take a look at the flip side of the coin. What about the heat and the harmful UVA and UVB rays that move inside along with the light? The heat increases the use of the HVAC system and thereby the cost of energy annulling the money saved on lights.  The UVA and UVB rays, on the other hand, pose a severe threat to your health with its potential to cause skin cancer.

Wondering what could be the simple solution to all these? Well, the answer to all these issues and concerns is using a window film.

Using science and technology

Thanks to the extensive development in sequence and technology, solutions to any issues are not hard to come by. With the use of it and nanotechnology, scientists have come up with sophisticated window films that can reduce heat, risks of cancer and at the same time provide safety and security to a building.

The manufactures usually produce these films in three different categories such as:

• Residential
• Commercial and
• Automotive.

Each of these differs in functionality due to the tensile strength, explosion rating, structure of the ionic bonds and lots of different factors. These factors include:

• Made primarily from Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET or PVC, these can reduce glare and heat of the sun rays. This polymer compound is used extensively for making water bottles, and PET can even be used as a substrate in the solar cells when combined with glass fiber.
• The molecular structure and properties of the polymer can offer UV protection and also hold the glass when it breaks reducing the chances of any accidents or injuries.
• You can find these window films in various designs, tints, and colors and therefore it will not interfere with the interior decor or color.
• The films can save energy and at the same time provide privacy as it has one-sided visibility. While people outside cannot see the interior, you will have an unobstructed view of nature outside through these films.

Most importantly, the physical property of the polymer material is a cost-effective element and a sustainable material used in commercial buildings and offices to reduce the loss of energy through windows.

About the sustainability

Talking about the sustainability factor of Window Film Depot Commercial Tinting, it is unmatched and unparalleled.

• This multilayer optical film presents a very low environmental risk. This is because neither its use nor its disposal will result in any noteworthy release of harmful components to the environment. Even if it does emit any, it will have an insignificant impact on the environment.
• Over the years, manufacturers of these window films have come up with better designs that increase the functionality and usefulness of these window films. Various new elements are introduced in the manufacturing process of the latest window films that are most popularly called solar barriers.
• The use of flexible Copper, Cadmium Telluride or CdTe, Indium Gallium Selenide or CIGS, and Organic Photovoltaic or OPV solar modules in these films have made it so strong that it can even replace the glass on the solar panels.
• It is due to the ability to deflect harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun by 99.9% has made these window films all the more sustainable. You may not even need to spend on blinds or drapes as these films can replace them ensuring the same functionality.

Window films are an effective alternative to the homeowners and the designers, thanks to the nanotechnology behind auto window film.

Property of PET

Though most people are aware of these films and even use in their homes, offices, and cars seldom know about the sophisticated technology involved in its manufacturing and functioning.

When you see it with the naked eye, you may think is to be just a plain and giant sheet of clear plastic but when you look deeper into it, you will see it is made up of more than two hundred thin and transparent layers.

These layers are created with nanotechnology material that is no thicker than an ordinary piece of paper. It is the physical property of polyethylene terephthalate that enables it to embed in or bind to different types of surfaces. It is the clarity quotient as well as the tensile strength of PET that makes this material an ideal choice to make the window films.

The complex technology

The science of nanotechnology plays the most significant role in all aspects and different industries. Implementation of nanotechnology can be seen in biotech, aerospace and many other segments exponentially developing these industries and window film is one of them.

• The primary function of these films is to manipulate the solar spectrum. This solar spectrum includes visible light, UV radiation, and infra-red heat. All of these three factors impact profoundly on heat gain.
• Scientists have conducted thorough research on the subject and have brought changes in the molecular structure of PET to design Nanoparticles. These are one of the smallest particles available on earth measuring as small as one-billionth of a meter.
• The scientists have also worked extensively to identify the ability of these nanoparticles and found that it has immense power to absorb huge amounts of infra-red heat, variable degrees of visible light constituents and practically entire UV radiation.
• Based on the principle of ‘spectral selectivity and through this science, even the NASA engaged it successfully and for the first time to design Space Shuttle with heat rejection elements. Over time and further down the line this technology was used in developing the Stealth Bomber.

With such success and development, window film manufacturers got inspired and started using the same technology and science in manufacturing these sturdy, durable, sustainable and useful window films. It will be not exaggerating when said that window film manufacturers are using and putting in more nanotechnology into their product than what Area 51 uses in their experimental aircraft.

Its improved functionality

The functionality of the window films has improved manifold due to the innumerable microscopic layers in it. This means the window film nanotechnology provides multiple layers of protection from the three different components of sunlight namely, visible light, infra-red heat, and ultraviolet rays.

• While blocking the visible light, the window films reduce the sun’s glare. This not only prevents the furniture and furnishings from fading but also provides clarity and comfort in turn along with optimal driving.
• On the other hand, when the infra-red light is absorbed, it prevents too much heat from passing through the window film. Though infra-red light is not as harmful as the UV rays, it does contain a lot of heat which in excess can lead to serious health issues such as heat stroke and exhaustion.
• UV rays are blocked by these window films either by reflection or by absorption, and it depends on the type of film you choose to install. Ideally, UV rays constitute only 6% of the light passing through, but it has enough potential to cause severe and considerable damage such as skin cancer due to long-term exposure.

Most window films now have SPF of 1000 which is much higher than the SPF 50+ in your sunscreen lotion. However, the type and amount of protection will vary according to the kind of tint installed. These types of tints include:

• Visible Light Absorption, denoted by VLA%
• Visible Light Reflection, denoted by VLR% and the most commonly used
• Visible Light Transmittance, denoted by VLT%.

Higher the percentage will mean you will have more amount of light passing through the window film.

Few last words

Automotive or residential window tint is significantly different from commercial or factory window tint. Ideally, factory window tint is standard tint and is used more for privacy than for protection. That means factory tints do not usually work at the level of nanotechnology.

You must not compare these window films with your pair of sunglasses that protects from glare but reduces visibility at might. The window films, on the other hand, reduces night-time glare and therefore makes it easy for you to see at night.

If you thought that window films are used only for its benefits for protection, think again. It is also used for its aesthetic qualities. A dark window tint is aesthetically pleasing, great for privacy, and good for protection.