Advanced near-infrared absorbing material turns sunlight into heat

J-STORIES - CWO is an advanced material that contains near-infrared absorbing microparticles. Developed by Sumitomo Metal Mining in 2004 for industrial applications, such as car and train window films, it is already widely used in Europe and the US. But its range of uses is now set to dramatically expand under the new brand name SOLAMENT.

The down jacket using SOLAMENT Source: Sumitomo Metal Mining

The microparticles in SOLAMENT both absorb near-infrared light, converting it into heat, and block other light and heat, preventing internal temperatures from rising. These properties give it a wide range of potential uses, from apparel to agriculture.

The material comes in both powder and pellet form.     Source: Sumitomo Metal Mining — The material comes in both powder and pellet form. Source: Sumitomo Metal Mining

The material is available in both powder and liquid form, and can be either applied to the surface of products or blended into fibers. For example, the material can be used to make jackets that absorb near-infrared sunlight and are as warm as down jackets. On the other hand, the heat-blocking properties of the material means it can be used to prevent agricultural greenhouses from becoming too hot.

SOLAMENT Solar-smart material / The material that controls sunlight Source: Sumitomo Metal Mining

SOLAMENT Project Leader Keisuke Ishibashi told J-STORIES, “We can see the potential for new businesses (using this material), such as harvesting vegetables during the scorching hot Kyushu summer, that up to now were impossible.”

SOLAMENT apparel being developed includes winter jackets (above), golf wear, gloves, scarves and surf wear.     Source: Sumitomo Metal Mining — SOLAMENT apparel being developed includes winter jackets (above), golf wear, gloves, scarves and surf wear. Source: Sumitomo Metal Mining

In tests by the company, when a jacket made with SOLAMENT was compared to a jacket containing real down feathers, the former was found to change the wearer’s body temperature in the same way and to be just as warm. Ishibashi pointed out that blankets containing SOLAMENT could keep people warm using sunlight following disasters or in war zones without electricity.

The glove on the right hand contains SOLAMENT and is warmer in sunlight.     Source: Sumitomo Metal Mining — The glove on the right hand contains SOLAMENT and is warmer in sunlight. Source: Sumitomo Metal Mining

One more unusual application also relies on the material’s infrared light absorbing properties. In Japan, where photography of athletes using infra-red cameras to expose underwear has become a problem, SOLAMENT could even be used to make voyeur-proof athletes’ uniforms, said Ishibashi.