Near-Infrared-Absorbing Materials (SOLAMENT™)

The Near-Infrared-Absorbing Materials offer the following features:

Sumitomo Metal Mining's near-infrared-absorbing materials, SOLAMENT™ (near-infrared-absorbing fine particles: CWO™) and LaB₆, combine high visible-light transmittance with strong near-infrared absorption. Sumitomo Metal Mining invented and developed these proprietary materials, registered as trademarks in Japan and abroad.

Strong Selective Absorption of Near-Infrared Light

SOLAMENT™ and LaB₆ selectively absorb near-infrared rays in sunlight more effectively than conventional materials such as ITO and ATO, and they require a significantly smaller amount. This lower dosage reduces changes to the physical properties of the host material. Both materials also offer excellent visible-light transparency. This transparency preserves the original color of pigments for superior coloring performance.

Sumitomo Metal Mining's series of near-infrared-absorbing materials offers a lineup for a range of applications. If your required specifications are not listed, please contact us.

For detailed product information and specifications, download the optical data sheets below. Each data sheet contains the optical measurement procedure and optical properties:

SOLAMENT™ near-infrared-absorbing materials offer diverse thermal management functions, high transparency, and weather resistance. These properties make the materials suitable for a wide range of applications, including window materials that block heat from sunlight, agricultural nets, and textiles that convert absorbed light into heat.

Preventing Temperature Rise in Agricultural Greenhouses

In midsummer, temperatures inside greenhouses can exceed 40 °C (104 °F), causing crop damage and heat stress for workers.
SOLAMENT™ (near-infrared-absorbing nanoparticles: CWO™) blocks light at wavelengths between 850 and 1,200 nm — the primary source of heat in sunlight — while transmitting light in the 400–850 nm range, which is essential for crop photosynthesis.
Our dispersions can be applied to PET films, fibers, and other agricultural materials, blocking only the wavelengths that cause temperature rise while transmitting the light needed for photosynthesis and human visibility.
>Learn how SOLAMENT™ reduces greenhouse temperatures

CWO™ with High Chemical Resistance and Excellent Near-Infrared Absorption

SOLAMENT™ (near-infrared-absorbing nanoparticles: CWO™) is an inorganic nanomaterial that combines high visible-light transmittance with efficient near-infrared absorption.
Nanoencapsulation coats the nanoparticle surface with a resin layer, which reduces surface activity and blocks water molecules, adding high-temperature alkali resistance. Sumitomo Metal Mining developed this nanoencapsulated CWO™, which keeps the characteristic functions of CWO™ while adding high chemical resistance. It withstands harsh high-temperature alkaline solutions, opening a wide range of potential applications.
> Explore nanoencapsulated CWO™ for chemical-resistant applications

Blocking Infrared Rays Safely and Inexpensively

The near-infrared spectral distribution of sunlight is most intense at wavelengths between 800 and 1,200 nm. Nanoparticles of indium tin oxide (ITO) and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) cannot fully block light in this range.
In addition, ITO contains indium, a precious metal, and has been designated as a specified chemical substance due to its toxicity.
SOLAMENT™ (CWO™) and LaB₆ provide high shielding capability against near-infrared rays below 1,400 nm. These materials deliver strong shielding performance with a significantly smaller amount of material. To date, no information about hazards has been reported for CWO™ or LaB₆.
> Compare SOLAMENT™ to conventional ITO-based shielding

What are the key properties of SOLAMENT™ NIR-absorbing materials?

A: SOLAMENT™ NIR-absorbing materials are inorganic nanoparticles that strongly absorb light in the 800–1,200 nm wavelength range. This band accounts for nearly 40% of solar radiation energy. This selective absorption provides effective heat management while the materials maintain high visible-light transmittance.

Can SOLAMENT™ materials absorb NIR while maintaining transparency?

A: Yes. SOLAMENT™ materials combine high visible-light transparency with strong selective NIR absorption. This combination makes them ideal for applications that require both optical clarity and heat management, such as automotive and architectural window films and agricultural greenhouse covers.

What are the main applications of NIR-absorbing materials?

A: SOLAMENT™ materials are used in automotive and residential window films for heat shielding, and in agricultural greenhouse covers to reduce interior temperatures while transmitting light that is essential for crop growth. Applications have also expanded to functional textiles, where the nanoparticles are incorporated into fibers to provide heat-converting properties.