Element for controlling the temperature of a surface in satellites and spacecraft has a functional layer consisting of an IR-transparent matrix material with embedded microparticles

摘要

The functional layer (3) of an element for controlling the temperature of a surface consists of an IR-transparent matrix material with embedded microparticles (4) made of a material having a semiconductor/metal phase transition. An element for controlling the temperature of a surface comprises: a substrate (1); an IR-reflecting layer (2); and a functional layer (3) that can be switched between an IR-absorptive state and an IR-transparent state. The functional layer consists of an IR-transparent matrix material with embedded microparticles (4) made of a material having a semiconductor/metal phase transition. An Independent claim is also included for a process for stabilizing the operating temperature of a surface to a predetermined value by the self-regulating release of heat radiation comprising applying an element as above to the surface.