X-MINING Safely and Inexpensively Cutting Infrared Rays NIR Absorbing Materials

Indium tin oxide (ITO) and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) are generally well known as materials with near-infrared shielding function. ITO or ATO nanoparticles enable to make films with high transparency and low transmittance in the near infrared rays.  

However, since the near-infrared spectral distribution of sunlight becomes strong on the wavelength between 800nm and 1200nm, nanoparticles of ITO and ATO could not fully cut down the light in this range. In conclusion, near-infrared absorbing function of ITO and ATO is insufficient. 

Then, is it possible to improve the near-infrared absorbing function of ITO and ATO by increasing the added amount? Unfortunately, adding more amount of ITO and ATO will affect the strength of the coating film and other properties. 

In addition to that, there are some concerns regarding ITO. Firstly, ITO contains indium that is a precious metal. Secondly, ITO was designated as a specified chemical substance due to its toxicity. 

Figure 1

Sumitomo Metal Mining’s LaB₆ and CWO^TM have a very high shielding capability from near-infrared rays under 1400nm wavelength. 

Therefore, high shielding performance can be demonstrated with a small amount of the material. 

In comparison with ITO and ATO, the necessary amount of CWO^TM to obtain the same heat shielding performance.is 1/10, and when it comes to LaB₆, the amount is 1/100. Thus, a small amount of additives brings great advantage to the cost and performance of the coating film. 

In addition, there is no hazardous information about CWO^TM and LaB₆ so far. These materials have no problem in terms of safety. CWO^TM and LaB6 nanoparticles enable to cut down infrared rays safely and economically. 

Figure 2 The relation about amount of various filler and shading coefficient

The technology that achieves the function of reducing the amount of added materials in keeping with basic properties can be applied to various field not only for the near-infrared shielding function. 

Why don’t you come true your various ideas with “Near infrared absorbing material LaB₆ or CWO^TM?