Which transparent plastics best reflect or absorb IR heat?

[shane21]

Among thin plastics, sheets and films, that are highly transparent to visible light, which are also best at reflecting or absorbing IR heat?

Are there any spray coatings to enhance a clear plastic surface reflecting even more IR without significantly degrading transparency to visible light?

Thank you for any comments.

 

[cloa]

You might want to be more specific about the infra-red frequencies that you are talking about reflecting or absorbing. Its a big spectrum.

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=1529

Use translation assistance for Engineers forum

Note the rules include No Student posting

 

[jose0012000]

I will suggest to look into nano-adhesives such as micro-emulsions.

 

[Demon3]

The infrared absorption spectrum of every polymer is available in books and online databases. Search for "FTIR polymer spectrum". Every chemical bond absorbs a specific frequency so you can't have an organic polymer that absorbs no IR. The polymers with least types of bond have big windows where they absorb no IR over that frequency range. E.g. polyethylene and polypropylene.

Coatings can help. For example tin oxide is coated onto the glass in your oven to reflect the heat back in. Search for IR reflective coatings.

Chris DeArmitt PhD FRSC
President

Plastic materials consultant to the Fortune 100

http://www.phantomplastics.com