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US 8,206,629 B2Granted
Fence or decking materials with enhanced solar reflectance
AssigneeCertainTeed Corporation
InventorsMing-Liang Shiao, Joong-Youn Kim
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Abstract
A co-extrusion process enhances the durability of the ultimate product over previous systems which use relatively fragile paint coatings to limit heat absorption. By providing near-IR transmissive and reflective pigments within the co-extruded polymers, a highly durable finished product is obtained. The co-extruded layers are disclosed for use in fence and deck applications, but will also find application in a wide variety of building product applications, both exterior and interior.
Claims9
A method for forming a polymer fence post or rail structure comprising:
- extruding a first polymer providing a structural preform of a polymer fence post or rail structure having opposite sides, wherein at least a portion of the structural preform is substantially near-infrared (near-IR) reflective;
- coextruding with the first polymer a second polymer having a solar radiation absorbing pigment, the second polymer being substantially near IR transmissive and providing an outer cap layer overlying the structural preform, wherein the cap layer is about 1 mil to less than about 10 mils in thickness and is substantially visibly opaque while hiding the structural preform;
- and
- the structural preform and outer cap layer providing a longitudinal fence post or rail structure having said opposite sides, wherein each 8 foot length bows not more than ½-inch along its longitudinal centerline while exposing one of said opposite sides to direct sunlight.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.