Composite fabrication by encapsulation of Vo2 -particles In glass frits

Abstract

Experiments are conducted to explore the feasibility of a composite designed with vanadium dioxide (VO2) particles encapsulated by commercial glass frits. This design exploits the low temperature glass formation property of glass frits and its easy treatment, and the thermochromic properties of VO2. Glass frits were mixed with VO2 particles and heated at 700 °C for 1 h. Print coating process was adapted for use instead of the common screen printing seen in applying glass frits. The VO2-glass frit composite was characterized by UV-Vis-NIR transmission and X-ray thin film diffraction. However, results showed no success in producing thermochromic features. Investigations were further carried out to confirm the failure and it was concluded that lead oxide (PbO) played a heavy role in absorbing VO2 particles.