Polymer Glazings for Silver Mirrors

H. H. Neidlinger; Paul Schissel

doi:10.1117/12.966294

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2 December 1985 Polymer Glazings for Silver Mirrors

H. H. Neidlinger, Paul Schissel

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Proceedings Volume 0562, Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion IV; (1985) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.966294
Event: 29th Annual Technical Symposium, 1985, San Diego, United States

Abstract

This paper reports on our evaluation and modification of polymeric glazings to protect silver mirrors. The mirrors were made using Corning 7809 glass as a substrate onto which a thin silver film is deposited. The modified polymeric films are then cast from solution onto the silver. The mirrors were characterized by measuring the hemispherical reflectance and the specular reflectance at 660 nm and selected acceptance angles (7.5 mrad or 3.5 mrad). The mirrors were exposed to environmental degradation using accelerated weathering devices and outdoor exposure. Empirical evidence has demonstrated that poly-methylmethacrylate is a stable polymer in a terrestrial environment, but the polymer does not provide adequate protection for the silver reflector. The crucial role in degradation played by ultraviolet (UV) light is shown by several experimental results. We have demonstrated that UV stabilizers added to the polymer improve the weatherability of mirrors. The relative effectiveness of different stabilizers will be discussed in terms of the weathering modes, retention of optical properties, and effectiveness of the additives. The process for silver deposition influences the reflectance of silver mirrors, and the optical properties depend on subtle relationships between the metallization and the dielectric (polymeric) films that are in contact with the silver.

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H. H. Neidlinger and Paul Schissel "Polymer Glazings for Silver Mirrors", Proc. SPIE 0562, Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion IV, (2 December 1985); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.966294

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