Speaker
Description
Energy consumption and its effects on the environment is a popular topic nowadays and it has triggered many experts to work hard on possible solutions. Probably the best and most cost-efficient outcomes are passive and energy-free technologies, such as smart windows with thermochromic properties.
A key material for the production of thermochromic varnishes is believed to be W-doped vanadium (IV) oxide (VO2), due to its ability to undergo a phase transformation on a relatively low temperature. At this point VO2 modulates from a fully transparent to reflective material1. Nonetheless, for the production of the thermochromic coatings, it was necessary to incorporate the VO2 nanoparticles we synthesized, in acrylic latexes. In our research we used copolymer poly(methyl metacrylate/butyl acrylate), to ensure stabilization of the VO2 nanoparticles and therefore prevent agglomeration, environmental protection, as well as, fabrication of transparent final products.2 The glazing was then obtained via miniemulsion polymerization3, which is well-known as an eco-friendly technique for the fabrication of the thermochromic smart coatings. The obtained glazing has several potential applications, such as building or car coatings.
Keywords: W-doped vanadium (IV) oxide, poly(methyl metacrylate/butyl acrylate), thermochromic, miniemulsion polymerization
