Preparation and thermochromic property of VO2/mica pigments

Thermochromic VO2/mica pigments were fabricated by an aqueous sol–gel and spray-drying method. XRD and SEM were used to investigate the structure and morphology of pigments, and the results show that the VO2 layer was composed of randomly oriented worm-like particles less than 300 nm in width. A thermochromic composite was prepared with the pigments and UV curing resin. The infrared transmittance change in the composite was measured from 24 °C to 100 °C by FTIR, showing very good thermochromic performance. The composite exhibits a transmittance of 50–55% in the visible range.

The VO2/mica pigments were prepared by depositing VO2 films on the mica. The SEM pictures show that the VO2 layers covered on mica flakes are composed of randomly oriented worm-like particles less than 300 nm in width. The thermochromic composite was prepared by incorporating the functional pigments with the transparent UV curing resin, and which can exhibit an infrared transmittance switching of about 35% at the temperature of 71 °C, showing an excellent thermochromic performance.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► VO2/mica pigments with platelet-shaped structured were designed.
► We prepared a composite by using the VO2/mica pigments and the transparent UV curing resin.
► The composite can exhibit excellent thermochromic properties.