| Technology |
Coatings in the glass industry
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The invention of the float glass process and the introduction of curtain wall glazing systems inspired architects and designers to use larger areas of glass and eventually replace traditional heavy walls.
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 The results of such developments were futuristic buildings with bad thermal performance, as basic float glass allows heat to escape through the glazing surface in winter, while in summer it permits sunlight to enter, thus causing overheating. This lead glass manufacturers to develop new technologies aimed at overcoming these limitations. The solution was a simple layer of coating which reduces energy wasted on heating and cooling while conserving energy. Today's coatings can be practically custom-made to fit into any environmental conditions and offer a specific look and performance. The applications of coating technology are endless, so it comes as no surprise that coated glass production and research increase each year. In the United States coated glass accounts for some 40% of all windows sold annually. In Europe, the number is even more significant, given that some 90% of all windows sold are coated. In the future we can expect coating that will react to external stimuli, the so-called ?smart glass?, offering maximum comfort and excellent energy efficiency inside buildings.
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Photos: Smartbuildings
Last review: October, 2007 |
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