Nano-ceramic window film - Nanotechnology from the WFAANZ
Advanced ceramics have been used by NASA to thermally protect the
Space Shuttle Orbiter. Now, thanks to nanotechnology, they are being used by window
film suppliers in the manufacture of solar control window film.
Seen as the most important advance in window film since its inception in the 1960s,
ceramic nano-technology is being used to manufacture films with unequalled performance.
A 'nano' is a measurement unit that is one billionth of a metre, or in comparative
terms, one thousandth of the diameter of a strand of adult hair. Nanotechnology is
the ability to create structure and materials at the atomic level, one molecule at time.
Rob Hamilton, President of the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand
(WFAANZ), comments, "While still relatively new, ceramic nanotechnology is an exciting
development in the window film industry, further improving the advanced capabilities
of film and validating our industry-wide commitment to product refinement."
Nano-ceramic window films are fade and corrosion free, outlasting other conventional
material (dyed and metals) based films by more than 50%. They are 'spectrally selective',
meaning they reject glare and block heat while providing visible light and optimum clarity.
Their unique heat control properties can only be exhibited at nano-scale, and the
precision of the manufacturing process results in an ultra-thin layer with even thickness
to achieve a uniform, neutral colour tone and performance.
Traditional ceramics encountered every day like bricks, roofing tiles, wall tiles and
dinnerware are manufactured by applying heat to processed clays.
A new class of advanced ceramics was developed in the 20th century, using advanced
materials and manufacturing processes. Examples include bio-ceramics, coatings on
cutting tools, engine components, industrial wear parts, insulators, substrates, etc.
The unrivalled thermal control capabilities of advanced ceramics make it a preferred
material of NASA in the development of reusable space shuttles.
A precise and complex method known as wet chemical processing is used to manufacture
advanced ceramics. Companies have spent millions developing the technology over many
years, and closely guard specific manufacturing techniques.
Nano-ceramic particles are created when microscopic compounds are formed between
metallic and nonmetallic elements, both with strong chemical and physical bonds. One
such compound commonly used in the manufacture of window film is Titanium and Nitrogen,
TiN, a smart ceramic for solar control.
A precise, thin layer of the ceramic is deposited on polyester in a high tech sputtering
process (traditional films use a dyeing and metalizing process). Nano-ceramic films are
often more expensive than conventional alternatives as a result of this detailed process.
There is no difference in the manufacturing times, and all methods adhere to the strict
environmental regulations of the country of manufacture.
Rob Hamilton adds, "Window films manufactured using nanotechnology are available in
Australia for automotive window film (for your vehicle) or flat glass window film (for
your home or office). Visit www.wfaanz.org.au for a list of window film suppliers and
tinters, and ask your local applicator whether the film would suit your needs.
"WFAANZ window film manufacturers provide a minimum 10 year warranty, and some even
offer a lifetime guarantee on residential applications."
Solar heat control window films, including those created using ceramic nanotechnology,
help bring new and existing homes in line with energy requirements set in the Building
Code of Australia. As window film can be retrofit, it is a much cheaper and easier
option than buying and installing new windows.
For further information contact:
WFAANZ
phone: +61 2 9498 5241
fax: +61 2 9498 3816
web: www.wfaanz.org.au
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