Polymer synthesis and modification research during FY 1984
This paper reports on our evaluation and modification of polymeric glazings to protect silver mirrors. The mirrors were made using Corning 7809 glass as a substrate onto which a thin silver film is deposited. The modified polymeric films are then cast from solution onto the silver. The mirrors were characterized by measuring the hemispherical reflectance and the specular reflectance at 660 nm and selected acceptance angles (15 mr or 7 mr). The mirrors were exposed to environmental degradation using accelerated weathering devices and outdoor exposure. Empirical evidence has demonstrated that polymethylmethacrylate is a stable polymer in a terrestrial environment, but the polymer does not provide adequate protection for the silver reflector. The crucial role in degradation played by ultraviolet (UV) light is shown by several experimental results. We have demonstrated that UV stabilizers added to the polymer improve the weatherability of mirrors. The relative effectiveness of different stabilizers will be discussed in terms of the weathering modes, retention of optical properties, and effectiveness of the additives. The process for silver deposition influences the reflectance of silver mirrors, and the optical properties, depend on subtle relationships between the metallization and the dielectric (polymeric) films that are in contact with the silver.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 5328772
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/TR-255-2590; ON: DE85012160
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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GLAZING MATERIALS
POLYMERS
SOLAR REFLECTORS
HELIOSTATS
MIRRORS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PMMA
SILVER
SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE
STABILITY
SUBSTRATES
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
WEATHERING
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
ESTERS
MATERIALS
METALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLYACRYLATES
POLYVINYLS
RADIATIONS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators