LOWER CRITICAL SOLUTION TEMPERATURE (LCST) POLYMER-SOLUTION FOR CLEARCLOUD GLAZING APPLICATIONS

An aqueous-based clear / cloud solution was developed using poly (viny l methyl ether) and an antifreeze mixture of ethylene and propylene gl ycols. The solution has a controllable cloud point from 15 to 90-degre es-C, freeze protection to -46-degrees-C, and a density that prevents the precipitated polymer from settling and is fairly stable to UV degr adation. A significantly smaller heat gain is achieved through the cle ar / cloud glazing when compared to a normal double-pane window. (C) 1 994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.