Low-Emissivity Glass: Working Principle, Processing Methods

Low-E glass, as one of the essential materials in modern architecture, is highly regarded for its excellent thermal insulation performance and energy-efficient characteristics. This article will provide a detailed overview of the working principle, processing methods, and production process of low-E glass.

Working Principle:

The working principle of low-E glass is based on its coating technology, where special thin film coatings are applied to the surface of the glass. These coatings are typically made of metals or metal compounds such as silver oxide or zinc oxide. Their primary function is to reduce the transfer of heat radiation.

1. Reflection: Low-E coatings can reflect most of the infrared radiation in solar radiation, preventing them from entering the interior of the building. This helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduces air conditioning loads.

2. Transmittance: At the same time, low-E coatings maintain a high transmittance of visible light. This means that most natural light can penetrate the glass, creating a bright environment indoors.

3. Radiation: When thermal radiation occurs indoors, low-E coatings reduce the loss of thermal radiation. This improves the thermal insulation performance of the building, making the indoor environment more comfortable.

Processing Methods:

The production of low-E glass typically involves the following steps:

1. Selection of Base Glass: Choose suitable base glass, usually transparent or tempered glass, to ensure the quality and performance of the final product.

2. Cleaning Treatment: Thoroughly clean and treat the base glass to ensure the surface is free of dust and dirt for the subsequent coating adhesion.

3. Application of Thin Film Coating: Apply metal or metal compound thin film coatings uniformly on the glass surface using techniques such as physical vapor deposition (PVD) or magnetron sputtering. This step requires highly precise equipment and control to ensure the uniformity and quality of the coatings.

4. Curing: After the coatings are applied, they need to be cured to enhance adhesion and durability.

5. Packaging: The glass, after coating and curing, undergoes careful packaging to prevent damage during subsequent transportation and installation.

Production Process:

The production process of low-E glass mainly consists of the following steps:

1. Design and Planning: Detailed design and planning are carried out according to project requirements and performance specifications.

2. Preparation of Raw Materials: Prepare the base glass and materials required for thin film coatings to ensure they meet quality standards.

3. Coating Process: Apply metal or metal compound thin film coatings using advanced coating techniques such as physical vapor deposition or magnetron sputtering.

4. Curing Treatment: Cure the coatings to improve adhesion and durability.

5. Quality Inspection: Conduct comprehensive quality inspection of the produced low-E glass to ensure it meets design and manufacturing standards.

6. Packaging and Transportation: The products undergo careful packaging to ensure they remain intact during transportation and installation.

The working principle and production process of low-E glass make it an indispensable material in modern architecture. Through precise control of reflection and transmittance, low-E glass provides superior thermal insulation performance to buildings, making significant contributions to achieving energy efficiency and comfort goals.