Glass Futures, 2005

Dielectric performance has now a much higher profile, and the impact within the UK of the new Building Regulations3 Part F (ventilation) and part L (energy) will accelerate the development of new dielectric glass and glass assemblies. We have already worked with Pilkington to incorporate a low-iron double Low E coated triple glazed glass wall for a major new mixed-development of housing, culture and commerce by Tower Bridge in London. (illustrate)

Sensitivity readings of the environmental performance of buildings is possible to imagine through the micro-encapsulation of material that could have insulating qualities levels, and be able to communicate directly the effectiveness of the building’s enclosure. The thermal imaging we are familiar with that shows the distribution of energy leakage could become overt in the skin of the building itself. The potential embarrassment, as well as the kaleidoscopic city image this would produce may be too much to stomach – but the technological capability is imminent. However, the developments of coatings on glass to date have barely shown the potential of sensitivity qualities. Critical to future high environmentally performing glass constructions will be the ability of the glass industry to overcome some of the technical issues involved in coating glass at the molecular level.³

Special coatings have been developed in the following areas:

Low-E window glass: Buildings – energy-conservation
Solar control + low-E glass: Buildings in hot climates ­ glare/energy
Flat-panel displays: TV, computers Information / communications
Electro-chromic mirrors: Automatic rear-view mirrors in cars
Touch-panel controls: Appliances
Anti-reflection TV: Picture viewing
Anti-static copiers: Printing Defogging Supermarket freezers, vehicles windows
Anti-abrasion: Bar-code readers
UV protection: Protecting organic materials – fabrics and artworks.

Other coating fields include:

Fibres – fiberglass reinforced composites, glass-polymer composites
Optics – optical-electronics, optical security devices
Sun Power – solar lenses, mirrors, photovoltaic panels
Protective coatings ­ – fireproof, anti-scratch flooring
High-Strength Glass – flexible glass, self-healing glass, lightweight 3D structural glass

Of the current markets, the most important developments will be those associated with energy efficiency in manufacture (reducing waste and need to recycle glass in the process), application (improved thermal performance) and maintenance (e.g. self-cleaning glass and self-healing glass). I suspect that the most viable will be multi-functional performance glasses incorporating the above characteristics. However, multi-coating of individual glass panels is some way off and we shall be using multi-layer coated glass assemblies for a while yet. Others which will remain on the fringe of architectural applications for the moment include electro-chromic glass for active windows (opacity and shading); anti-reflective and scratch resistant, and electrically conductive glass.

3 The changes to Parts F and L (ventilation and fuel conservation) of the Building Regulations two years ahead of schedule from April 2006 and the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will make a major contribution to the UK’s commitment to combat climate change. This will mean new homes will need to be better insulated and make use of more efficient heating systems.

© Ian Ritchie 2005