A temperature-responsive
near-infrared reflective coating was fabricated
based on a side-chain liquid crystal siloxane polymer using a simple
wired-bar method. The cholesteric liquid crystalline polymer film
showed a blue shift of the reflection band of ∼1000 nm in the
IR region upon heating. The temperature-responsive change of the reflection
band was reversible. Compared to that of the same mixture system in
an alignment cell, the coating showed a significantly faster response.
This research demonstrates
an easy way to prepare a temperature-responsive IR-reflective coating
that shifts its reflection to a shorter wavelength upon heating. As
IR radiation of shorter wavelengths is more strongly represented in
sunlight than longer wavelengths, this coating could be used to selectively
reduce heating of an indoor space when the temperature is high. This
is promising for the future application of smart climate control.