Prevent effects of infrared rays
For a comfortable, healthy driving experience

Effects of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared rays (IR)

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can be divided into three types according to their wavelengths: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the surface of the earth, but UV-A and UV-B reach the ground and can cause photoaging which from long exposure can lead to skin troubles such as unhealthy tanning, wrinkling, and sagging of the skin.

Research has shown that near-infrared rays (NIR), which account for about 50% of sunlight, are also involved in the process of photoaging and can cause irritation to the skin such as a rise in body temperature due to its thermal effect on the nerves.

Continuous exposure to UV-A and near-infrared rays causes the collagen and elastin to metamorphose and lose their original functions, and the support of subcutaneous tissue is also weakened, resulting in non-preventable skin damage. To prevent skin problems and protect people’s health, it is important to take measures to reduce both ultraviolet and near-infrared exposure.

Achieving health and comfort

UV-A can penetrate deeper layers of the skin (dermis) and can cause long-term skin damage.

Laminated glass using our S-LEC™ Premium UV Blocking Film UA01 offers exceptional UV-A blocking performance, reducing UV-A transmission to less than 0.1% compared to standard laminated glass.
In combination with the S-LEC™ Solar Control Film, it becomes possible to cut infrared rays in addition to ultraviolet rays to reduce the interior of your vehicle from heating up, resulting in a more comfortable and health-benefiting car interior.

At SEKISUI S-LEC we are committed to creating new valuable solutions through PVB interlayer films for laminated glass to contribute to the developments in the ever-growing automotive and architectural industry.

Evaluated via vehicle testing

We have confirmed the heat shielding effect of S-LEC™ Solar Control Film through various vehicle tests.

In one of our performed tests, we installed a windshield with a standard PVB Interlayer and one with the S-LEC™ Solar Control Film in two of the same cars to measure the temperature difference rise inside the car under equal driving conditions. As a result, we could confirm a heat shielding performance of up to 7°C.

In EVs, which are becoming increasingly popular, by effectively blocking the heat entering the car, the power consumed by the air conditioner can save on the use of the battery, contributing to the extension of the driving range. 

Please contact us for further details on our test data.

Thermal comfort consumer survey

S-LEC™ Solar Control Film reduces the temperature increase caused by the sun and keeps the car interior comfortable even on hot days.

In a survey conducted among 526 participants, we used a demonstration kit that had two glasses, one with standard laminated glass and one laminated glass using S-LEC™ Solar Control Film, placed below lamps mimicking artificial sunlight, where participants could feel the difference in heat sensation. 94% of the participants confirmed feeling the heat shielding effect of S-LEC™ Solar Control Film in comparison to standard laminated glass.

S-LEC™ Solar Control Film is recognized by consumers as a solution that can make the interior of cars more comfortable and for the additional benefit of reducing the need for continuous air conditioning use to contribute to electric driving.

Application of ultraviolet and infrared protective glass

The demand for laminated glass that protects the skin from the negative effects of sunlight, such as UV protection and heat blocking, is increasing significantly.

S-LEC™ Solar Control Film has been confirmed through vehicle tests and consumer surveys as a useful function for car windows to decrease heat exposure. In combination with S-LEC™ Premium UV Blocking Film UA01, additional health and comfort benefits can be achieved.

S-LEC™ Solar Control Film is used by various car manufacturers around the globe to enhance their car windshields and side windows with UV and IR protection to create health and comfort benefits for their customers.

Experience solar comfort

You can experience the benefit of S-LEC™ Solar Control Film for automotive glass with our demonstration kit from the consumer survey.

Please contact us if you would like to try the experience and get in contact with our local representatives on the possibilities of a demonstration or for more information on our solutions for automotive glass.