Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2003

Infra-Red Absorbing Coating

Q. I am looking for an Infra-red (780nm) absorbing agent that can be coated onto plastic that will absorb IR and melt this plastic. We are currently using carbon, but this is difficult for our application as we need it to be optically clear. Any suggestions?

A. Great question, but I don't have an answer for you. If you speak to the folks at a paint company such as Hentzen in Wisconsin, they might be able to give you a lead as to where you might be able to get a pigment for your application. Hentzen and a few other companies use infra-red reflecting pigments >780 nm to make camouflage paints. But the pigments are not clear; they are solid colors. Try to speak to Baskar Urs at Hentzen, as he is likely to be the most knowledgeable on this topic.

If and when you get a positive answer, can you please get back to me with the answer so that I can answer it myself next time I'm asked?