Photo-crosslinkable NIR-absorbing window with environmental stability

Abstract

Purpose - The authors aimed to develop environmentally stable NIR-absorbing windows by blending a near-infrared (NIR)-absorbing dye and a photo-crosslinkable polymer. Design/methodology/approach - To prepare an environmentally stable NIR-absorbing window, a NIR-absorbing dye was mixed with crosslinkable poly(vinyl cinnamate) (PVCn). The crosslinking of PVCn was carried out by photo-dimerisation reaction of cinnamate with UV-exposure at a wavelength of 254 nm for 4 min. Findings - The resistance of the photo-crosslinked hybrid films against humidity, heat, and ultraviolet radiation damage was improved dramatically relative to the pristine NIR-absorbing dye. These improvements result from the protection of NIR-absorbing dye to moisture exposure in the presence of the polymer network. Originality/value - The simple and practical method resulted in a dramatic improvement in the environmental stability of NIR-absorbing window.