Researchers at the University of Technology in Sydney have developed a cheap polymer that when laminated between glass sheets absorbs near infra-red radiation, or heat. Existing solar control glass is either expensive or has an unsatisfactory smoky haze (infra-red absorbing pigments or dyed). The new laminate contains a key component in lanthanum hexaboride, LaB6, which absorbs near infra-red radiation and is dispersed in plastic sheeting that is sandwiched in glass. The particles are so small in diameter, 20-200 millionths of a millimetre, and so sparsely dispersed within the plastic that they do not scatter sunlight leaving the final glass product highly transparent. When viewed at an oblique angle it has a slightly bluish haze but otherwise it appears transparent with a hint of green. (whole item)
