For those who want to dive deeper
Read the behind-the-scenes story of SOLAMENT™’s creation and its boundless future potential as our developers share their insights.
Illuminate
new possibilities
On an ever-changing planet,
people’s values are also constantly changing.
What should be our guiding principle?
We think the answer is sunlight.
SOLAMENT™ is a material that uses the near-infrared energy (NIR)
of sunlight, which has been overlooked until now.
Can we create warmth that doesn’t exist yet while in harmony with nature?
Conversely, can we protect people from the sun’s heat?
Or protect them from infrared light being used to invade their privacy?
We believe so. We’re convinced that this new material will break through
the limitations and restrictions of the past.
We’re convinced that it can bring us into a future never before possible.
With SOLAMENT™, we’ll open up a world beyond our imagination.
Make the impossible possible
SOLAMENT™ for
HEATINGSOLAMENT™ absorbs near-infrared rays 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.
Apparel / Extreme warmness
Ideal for winter apparel, providing exceptional warmth without the need for heavy layering. Allows for easy movement during outdoor activities. Generates instant heat and dries quickly, perfect for sudden rain or water sports.
Examples: golf wear, hiking gear, suit coats
Life Solutions / For next-generation urban development
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 constructionSOLAMENT™ for
HEAT BLOCKINGBy blocking the 850-1200nm range, SOLAMENT™ applied to glass or vinyl prevents temperature rise. Experiments confirm a 5-10°C drop in indoor temperatures with SOLAMENT™-infused vinyl.*
*10-minute simulated sunlight test with SOLAMENT™-coated vinyl.
Agriculture / Boosts harvests by 150%
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.
Apparel / Keep cool and comfortable, even in the heat of summer
Cutting sunlight even while transparent. For instance, when used on the brim of a hat, the fabric absorbs heat, providing a cooling effect of -5°C to -10°C.
SOLAMENT™ for
SKINThe proportion of ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight is only about 6%, whereas near-infrared rays (NIR) account for 42%. Additionally, NIR penetrate deeper into the skin than UV, causing wrinkles and sagging. SOLAMENT™ effectively addresses NIR by absorbing and blocking them.
Apparel / Make your outdoor life comfortable
The material, SOLAMENT™, absorbs near-infrared rays that make up about 42% of sunlight and penetrate deep into the skin. Feel safe under the sun with SOLAMENT™ and enjoy your outdoor life more comfortably.
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
SOLAMENT™ for
PRIVACYPreviously, infrared technology raised concerns for activities like swimwear voyeurism. SOLAMENT™ prevents privacy breaches by blocking near-infrared rays, thwarting infrared camera surveillance.
Apparel / Preventing Voyeurism
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
10% Processed
30% Processed
Prototype Project
DOWN-LESS
DOWN JACKET
This is the first project that showcases the functional and brand aspects of
SOLAMENT™. This down jacket is transparent, and features a hollow structure devoid
of any down feathers. By harnessing the light-to-heat transformation properties of
SOLAMENT™ in the fabric, the material itself generates heat, achieving an
unimaginable level of warmth beyond what is discernible from its appearance.
*
This delves into the possibilities of future cold-weather protective wear without
compromising in design, comfort and ethical needs.
* According to our research
Prototype Project
SHADE-LESS
SUN HAT
SOLAMENT™ for HEAT BLOCKING
Transparent yet sun-blocking. The fabric absorbs heat, providing a cooling effect of -5℃ to -10℃. This hat is upcycled from discarded vinyl umbrellas.
Prototype Project
BULK-LESS
SOLAR SCARF
SOLAMENT™ for HEATING
Try it under the sunlight. Despite its thinness, it offers remarkable warmth. Agricultural nets transformed into smart scarves.
About SOLAMENT™
SOLAMENT™ is a material technology made of near-infrared-ray-absorbing nanoparticles, invented in 2002 by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. It absorbs "the near-infrared rays" contained in sunlight.
Sunlight is composed of energy from ultraviolet (UV), near-infrared (NIR), visible light (VIS), and other sources. Among these, near-infrared (NIR) accounts for 42% of sunlight energy, yet it has been overlooked and underutilized until now.
SOLAMENT™ generates instant warmth by absorbing near-infrared (NIR) rays. Applied to clothing, it offers exceptional warmth. When applied to structures like greenhouses or window glass, it blocks sunlight heat while permitting only visible light (VIS) to pass through, maintaining brightness and preventing indoor temperature rise.
Not only used in apparel; SOLAMENT™ illuminates in every facet of our lives, from automotive to construction and agriculture.
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