Nanogel Filled Skylights Offer Improved Performance - News Item

Specialty Chemicals manufacturer Cabot Corp and Super Sky Products, part of Vitro, have agreed to jointly produce and market a Polycarbonate skylight panel system filled with Cabot’s patented Nanogel(R), a translucent aerogel.

The 10mm and 16mm panels are composed of GE Lexan(R) Thermoclear(R) polycarbonate, produced by GE Structured Products, and Macrolux BDL(R) polycarbonate, furnished by CO-EX Corporation.  GE Lexan Thermoclear polycarbonate sheets are impact resistant and energy saving, multi-wall glazing sheets that feature a proprietary surface treatment which provides nearly total resistance to the degrading effects of UV light.  The Macrolux BDL polycarbonate system utilises batten caps that provide affordable diffused light.

Cabot’s Nanogel consists of a translucent aerogel, which is lightweight and increases thermal insulation and light transmission by between two and four times compared to alternative products.

Advantages of this new high-tech system include:

•         Energy savings through improved thermal insulation

•         Prevention of condensation

•         It is water repellent

•         Reduces sound transmission resulting in improved comfort

•         The use of larger panels, up to 20'0" long and 5' 0" wide, significantly improves light diffusion, without shadows and the need for sunshades

•         Will be available at a reasonable cost

•         Will provide architects with a 'green' and energy-efficient structure.

•         Improved aesthetic when viewed from inside or outside the building

Posted February 26^th, 2004