The use of traditional glass in interior design is still not out of fashion. Practical and profitable, from the point of view of operation, the material has a unique combination of characteristics, which determine its relevance. It is enough to note transparency and light transmission. Moreover, in recent years, interest in electrochromic products has increased. These are “smart glasses”, the features of which include the possibility of changing transparency. But this quality is not limited to the properties of this material. In practice, users also emphasize enhanced energy-saving qualities, durability and aesthetic appearance.
What is the feature of smart glasses?
The original technical and operational qualities of such glasses are determined by the structure of the material. In essence, it is formed by composites representing several layers, including transparent and matte layers. This product is also known to end users as Smart Window glazing, which allows changing the degree of transparency due to the liquid crystal interlayer. This film contains special crystals that operate on the mains. The usual mode of operation involves a chaotic order of organization of these elements - during visual inspection, you can note the dullness of the surface.
An electric current supply organizes the crystals so that the structure begins to become transparent. The ability to transmit sunlight, as a rule, is maintained regardless of the power supply. Standard window glass of this type allows up to 80% to pass through even in a dull state.
Material manufacturing technology
Obtaining glass with the ability to adjust transparency is performed using triplexing technology. That is, several sheets of material are initially prepared, which will subsequently form the basis of the product. In this case, the base layers can be represented by ordinary glass and polycarbonate. The operational qualities that “smart glasses” in one or another modification depend on in which combination the layers were built with different characteristics depend on. Most often, material variations differ in the type of laminating coatings used. So, there are modifications with ethylene vinyl acetate and polyvinyl butyral film. Also, especially for harsh operating conditions, manufacturers produce products with a protective coating based on thermoplastic polyurethane.
The benefits of smart glasses
Smart glass can be attributed to multifunctional designs or even individual interior elements that perform several tasks. Of course, the main one is to provide a partition endowed with several functions. As practice shows, “smart glasses” reduce heat loss, minimizing the cost of air conditioning. If we take into account the natural light transmission property, then we can talk about reducing the cost of providing artificial light. Ordinary glass solves similar problems, but in this case we are talking about a wider functionality. In particular, panels can act as an alternative to curtains, shading screens or blinds. Being in a transparent state, such glass does not allow ultraviolet rays into the room, which contributes to the creation of a healthy microclimate.
disadvantages
Unfortunately, the disadvantages of such glasses are also many. First of all, this is a high cost due to the complexity of manufacturing technology. Also, despite several energy-saving factors, one of the main differences between smart panels is the need to use electrical voltage. Actually, thanks to this, the user gets the ability to quickly switch between panel modes. In most versions, “smart glass” with adjustable transparency also allows you to use the state of opalescence, that is, turbidity. But, for this you will have to pay the cost of electricity, albeit small in comparison with the same climate equipment. Moreover, there are models of such glasses that do not require power from the mains.
Where are smart glasses used?
Partitions attractive in appearance and practical in terms of their technical qualities are especially appreciated in the arrangement of office premises. Such objects are the most common place for using glass with variable transparency. In normal home environments, such panels can also act as a reliable and aesthetic barrier, but they may have other tasks. For example, matte “smart glasses” in an apartment can serve as a screen for a projector, transmitting the color of the transmitted image with high definition. This material is also used where classic triplex was previously used . This applies to salons, banks, exhibition halls and studios in which increased requirements are imposed on partitions in terms of mechanical protection. Special modifications are endowed with shockproof qualities, and in some versions can provide a barrier to firearms.
How much is smart glass?
The technology is quite popular in Europe, but the domestic market in this segment is still just emerging. Accordingly, there are not so many professional manufacturers guaranteeing the quality of the product. In the primary class, the price of glasses with adjustable transparency is about 20-25 thousand rubles. for 5 m 2 . This means that for such an amount the company will perform glazing with a material of 5 m 2 . The average volume of orders is usually calculated on 10-20 m 2 , while the thickness of the glass can also vary depending on the working area.
The cheapest option is considered to be 4 mm glass without special coatings - these are the so-called raw single-chamber packages. The most profitable, from the point of view of operation, option is hardened panels. The average price of glasses in this design is already about 60 thousand, calculated on the design of 10 m 2 .
Conclusion
For modern designers and developers of interior objects, there are practically no obstacles in creating durable, easy-to-use and functional partitions. But, taking a high-strength triplex as a basis, the technologist can complement it with the stylistic properties that window glass has in a classic representation. In particular, we are talking about light transmission and transparency. At one time, a combination of these qualities of the consumer was surprised by some modifications of the triplex. As for the new material, it allows not only to combine conflicting performance properties, but also to regulate them in accordance with specific design requirements.