Polymers with switchable light transmission for coating surfaces
This technology is a method for fabricating a porous polymer coating with tunable transparency, offering a scalable solution for sustainable lighting and temperature control in buildings.
Unmet Need: Sustainable, low-cost surface coatings with switchable optical properties
Heating, cooling, and lighting account for a large fraction of energy usage in buildings. Adaptive designs for passively regulating heat and light, such as external surface coatings, are needed to reduce energy usage. Existing technologies rely on metal or glass composite materials, which are resource-intensive and expensive to produce. There remains a need for developing eco-friendly and cost-effective surface coatings with switchable optical properties to reduce the energy consumption of buildings.
The Technology: Porous polymer coatings with fluid-driven light switching
This technology is a method for fabricating a porous polymer film that reversibly switches between transparent and reflective states through the movement of fluid. This change is reversible, requires no electricity, and occurs through passive fluid transfer within a sealed module that includes an internal reservoir and conduits. Additionally, it is compatible with heating or cooling elements positioned behind the switchable layer, enabling combined light and thermal control in building systems. Importantly, the polymer coating may be applied to a variety of substrates, including glass, metal, and roofing, making this technology a scalable and cost-effective method for coating buildings.
Applications:
- Thermal camouflage
- Thermoregulation of buildings
- Water-responsive exterior coatings
- Smart windows and displays
- Solar-activated heating or cooling systems
Advantages:
- Scalable
- Eco-friendly
- Inexpensive
- Can be applied to a variety of substrates (e.g., glass, plastic, metal, textiles, windows, roofing, etc.)
- Eliminates the need for electrical switching
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (US20240337825)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU18148, CU18149, CU18190
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel