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Illuminate new possibilities

SOLAMENT™ is an advanced material technology that absorbs near-infrared light of sunlight, which has been overlooked until now, and transforms it into new value.
For instance, it creates warmth that doesn’t exist yet.
Conversely, it protects people from the sun’s heat.
Additionally, it protects them from infrared light being used to invade their privacy.
This new material will break through the limitations and restrictions of the past and open up a world beyond our imagination.

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Concept Models

Solar-smart material
made in Japan

Established in 1590, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., with its 400-year history, has developed an innovative material technology made from rare metal-derived nanoparticles. Among heat-generating materials, this is a unique, highly transparent material that utilizes near-infrared light.

We focus on near-infrared light, which make up 42% of sunlight.

Sunlight is composed of energy from ultraviolet (UV), near-infrared light (NIR), visible light (VIS), and other sources. Among these, NIR accounts for 42% of sunlight energy, yet it has been overlooked and underutilized until now.
It has recently gained attention in fields such as sun fatigue.

Composition of Sunlight at Earth's Surface

※Phtomedicine and hotobiology Vol.45, 1-3, 2024
"Development of fabric for protection of skin photo-aging by solar near-infrared radiation"

Mechanism of SOLAMENT™

SOLAMENT™ harnesses the power of near-infrared light contained in sunlight, absorbing and converting it into heat, thereby providing various functional benefits. When the surface generating heat is touched, it feels warm. Conversely, the area beyond the heated surface remains cool as the heat does not easily transfer. Additionally, the absorption and blocking of near-infrared light contribute to skin protection and anti-voyeurism functionalities.

Applications of SOLAMENT™

Apparel / Outdoor

With its exceptional warmth, SOLAMENT™ is ideal for outdoor sports and activities. Due to its instant heating properties, it also excels in quick-drying capabilities. When used in items like parasols and tarps, the fabric absorbs near-infrared light, providing a cooling effect that can lower temperatures by 3℃ to 6℃. Additionally, by absorbing and blocking near-infrared light, it offers skin protection and anti-voyeurism functionalities.

Agriculture

Using SOLAMENT™ on agricultural nets in greenhouses increases crop yields. By allowing visible light to pass through while blocking heat, it enhances photosynthesis efficiency. Additionally, the cooler environment inside the greenhouse extends the time people can comfortably work inside.

Window Film

For example, during summer, the interior of a car can easily become extremely hot, with temperatures inside reaching up to 65℃ and the dashboard surface nearing 80℃. By applying SOLAMENT™ to car windows or building glass, it selectively blocks the light that causes temperature rise while maintaining brightness, thereby creating a comfortable environment.

Life Solutions

Perfect for the urban development;

  • Snow-protection and anti-fogging used in housing roofs, traffic lights, etc,
  • Mold prevention in buildings, to enhance the cleanliness of the city environments.
  • Hardening agent in 3-D printers for high-precision material construction.

Use Cases of SOLAMENT™ in Apparel

SOLAMENT™ for HEATING

Stay warm in the cold with heat-generating protection

SOLAMENT™ absorbs near-infrared light from sunlight, causing the material itself to generate heat. Temperature difference experiments* between SOLAMENT™-infused fibers and regular fibers have proven its warmth. Gloves without SOLAMENT™ showed a temperature increase of +6.4℃, while gloves with SOLAMENT™ showed a remarkable difference at +19.4℃.

*10-minute temperature difference comparison experiment under simulated sunlight.

SOLAMENT™ for HEAT BLOCKING

Enjoy the sun more with heat shielding

By blocking the 850-1200nm range, SOLAMENT™ applied to glass or vinyl prevents temperature rise.
In temperature difference experiments* with tarps, a cooling effect of approximately 6℃ was observed.

*Under the condition of sunlight exposure for 5 minutes, comparison of the ambient temperature beneath the tarp

SOLAMENT™ for SKIN

Blocks near-infrared light to prevent photoaging

The proportion of ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight is only about 6%, whereas near-infrared light (NIR) accounts for 42%. Additionally, NIR penetrates deeper into the skin than UV, causing wrinkles and sagging. SOLAMENT™ effectively addresses NIR by absorbing and blocking them.
With SOLAMENT™, the material that absorbs and blocks near-infrared light, you can confidently enjoy the sun.

The near-infrared radiation (NIR) accounts for about 42% of the sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface. When it comes to “protecting the skin,” UV care is mainstream, but NIR care is actually very important as well.

Professor Emeritus, Makoto Kawashima
Tokyo Women's Medical University

Phtomedicine and hotobiology Vol.45, 1-3, 2024
"Development of fabric for protection of skin photo-aging by solar near-infrared radiation"

SOLAMENT™ for PRIVACY

Blocks infrared camera surveillance

Previously, infrared technology raised concerns for activities like swimwear voyeurism. SOLAMENT™ prevents privacy breaches by blocking near-infrared light, thwarting infrared camera surveillance. By incorporating SOLAMENT™ into athlete uniforms, concerns about voyeurism are alleviated, allowing athletes to compete without worry. While functionality tends to take precedence over design in uniforms, SOLAMENT™ offers both high transparency and a wide range of fabric and color options.

Results Captured by Infrared Camera

Unprocessed

3% SOLAMENT™ dilution sprayed

NEWS

2024.11.20
We will be exhibiting at ISPO Munich 2024, Europe’s largest sports and outdoor apparel trade show.
2024.3.4
Exhibit at the world's premier innovation festival, SXSW2024
2023.10.24
We have released the SOLAMENT™ brand page
2023.10.17
We will exhibit at JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023

Let’s explore the possibilities together

Detailed optical data here

FAQ

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SOLAMENT™ is an inorganic material that allows visible light to pass through while blocking near-infrared light, which causes temperature increases.
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Near-infrared light refers to wavelengths longer than visible light, making it invisible to the human eye, yet it makes up about 42% of sunlight which reaches surface.
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Both UV and near-infrared light are invisible to the human eye. However, UV radiation has a shorter wavelength than visible light and causes sunburn, while near-infrared light has longer wavelengths and contributes to temperature increases.
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SOLAMENT™ is applied to automobile and architectural window materials to prevent temperature increases in the interior of vehicles and rooms while maintaining visibility. When applied to clothing, it generates heat while allowing for flexible design.
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Developed and manufactured by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. group.
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Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. is a company engaged in mineral resources development, non-ferrous metal smelting and refining, and the manufacturing and sales of functional materials, and other related businesses.
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The raw material of SOLAMENT™ is mainly tungsten oxide.
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SOLAMENT™ was developed in Chiba Prefecture and is now manufactured in Kagoshima Prefecture.
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SOLAMENT™ appears highly transparent because it works effectively with a low content of substances that have been reduced to nano size, thus the material allows visible light to pass through.
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SOLAMENT™ allows 70% of the visible light in sunlight to pass through, while blocking more than 94% of near-infrared light, so that when applied to the windscreen of a car, for example, the temperature inside the car is reduced by more than 10℃.
By adjusting the concentration of SOLAMENT™, the visible light transmittance and near-infrared blocking rates can be customized. For detailed information, please contact us.
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The electrons contained in SOLAMENT™ absorb the near-infrared light from sunlight, efficiently converting light into heat.
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When applied to clothing, SOLAMENT™ allows users to experience warmth. Conversely, when used in applications such as automotive windows, approximately 80% of the generated heat is released outside, effectively blocking temperature increases inside the vehicle.
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While SOLAMENT™ is not effective at night, near-infrared light can penetrate clouds, ensuring effectiveness even on overcast days. However, the effectiveness is reduced compared to sunny conditions.
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Each functionality is activated based on the specific application, and in some cases, multiple functions can operate simultaneously. We are also exploring new applications for further development.
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Traditional heating materials are often black or, if transparent, have limited heat generation capabilities. SOLAMENT™ addresses these issues by providing high heat generation while maintaining transparency.
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The nanoparticles efficiently absorb near-infrared light and generate heat. Additionally, they are effective in small quantities and maintain transparency by allowing visible light to pass through.
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Standard clothing typically allows near-infrared light to pass through, making it susceptible to voyeurism. However, when SOLAMENT™ is applied to clothing, it absorbs near-infrared light, rendering it undetectable by such cameras.
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We do not sell concept models at this time. However, if you are interested in commercialization, please contact us through the inquiry form.
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Please reach out to us via the inquiry form for purchasing information.
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The fabric may take on a bluish tint with increased amounts of SOLAMENT™; however, even a small addition can provide heat generation, allowing for design flexibility in the fabric.
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Fabrics such as polyester are available, but since SOLAMENT™ is an inorganic material, it can potentially be adapted to various types of fibers.
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We provide only the material; however, we can introduce you to partner companies for further development.
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Our partner companies incorporate SOLAMENT™ into the material during the yarn manufacturing process to create the fabric.
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While UV is known to cause sunburn, recent studies have shown that near-infrared light accelerate skin aging.
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The material itself is washable; however, please follow the care instructions provided by the respective manufacturers for the final products.
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The material has weather resistance; however, please adhere to the handling instructions provided by the respective manufacturers.
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SOLAMENT™ efficiently absorbs near-infrared light from sunlight and converts it into heat, providing warmth very efficiently.