PDLC and Smart Window

The market situation of smart windows
Recently the glass industry has shown a tendency to produce based on energy saving and eco-friendly materials. accordingly, the smart window glass material as a new material is going to increase the awareness in the market. it has a transmittance adjusting function, with not only visible light transmittance but also UV and infrared ray transmittance. therefore smart window has been variously applied to construction sector, transport sector, and advertising sector.

Smart window history
Smart window is first developed by Dr edwin, the founder of the polaroid land in 1934. then a full-fledged research was conducted by newly founded RFI in 1965. in korea, korean glass manufacture(Hangulas) introduced the core technology in the 1990 and then succeeded in producing large-sized products manufacturing technologies for architectural purpose. afterward, the hardcore research and development progressed from 2003.

Smart window principle
Smart window uses the material of PDLC(Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal). PDLC film consists of two PET film. there is an ITO film between the two PET films. in PDLC , liquid crystals are dispersed into a liquid polymer. so the liquid mix of polymer and liquid crystal is placed between two layers of PET films. users can control PDLC film's transparency and opacity with the electrical on/off switch.

Smart window technology development
Domestic
- 'korea institute of industrial technology' has developed the metal/metal oxide      thin film material deposition process and technology development for smart        window application
   (source : smart window technology civil research information center)
- 'SungkyunKwan university' has developed a simple-structured electrochromic      device that does not require application as an electrolyte in smart window
   (source : futurecreation science)

Overseas
- US company 'View' has developed and commercializad a thin film deposition       process which creates a conductive layer between two glass panels to control     the sun light and heat passing through from the sun
  (source : smart window technology, engineering research information center)
- US nanotechnology company, raven brick, has developed PCM which applied     nanotechnology and smart window which controls solar heat
  (source : nano inside, nano convergence industry research association)  


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