Temperature controlled variable reflectivity coatings

摘要

Coatings configured to change between a relatively higher reflectivity state and a relatively lower reflectivity state depending at least partially upon temperature are generally disclosed. Some example coatings may include a selectively reflective layer including a plurality of microcapsules, which may include an ionic liquid and/or a surfactant within a shell. The microcapsules may have a relatively higher reflectivity when at temperatures above a cloud transition temperature and/or a relatively lower reflectivity when at temperatures below the cloud transition temperature. When at temperatures above the cloud transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer may reflect a first fraction of the incident light. When at temperatures below the cloud transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer may reflect a second fraction of the incident light. The first fraction of the incident light may be greater than the second fraction of the incident light.

主权项

1. A selectively reflective construction material comprising:
a light-absorbent base layer; and a selectively reflective layer that includes microcapsules disposed on the light-absorbent base layer such that the selectively reflective layer is disposed between the light-absorbent base layer and a source of incident light,
wherein the microcapsules have a higher reflectivity state when at temperatures above a transition temperature,wherein the microcapsules have a lower reflectivity state when at temperatures below the transition temperature,wherein, when at the temperatures above the transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer reflects a first fraction of the incident light,wherein, when at the temperatures below the transition temperature, the selectively reflective layer reflects a second fraction of the incident light, andwherein the first fraction of the light is greater than the second fraction of the incident light.