This aircraft window tinting technology is provided by PPG Industries, a materials company based in Pittsburgh, PA.  Boing wanted to be able to push the envelope in providing a unique experience within their newest aircraft.  This involved complete redesign of the interior of the aircraft for a airy generous feeling down to personalized control of the window darkness on the windows.

The exact specifications of the electro-chromic window film has not been discussed, but from the demonstrations and the press coverage so far, seems like there can be up to 5 different tint settings.  The darkest setting is less than .1%  VLT, virtually opaque.  Window darkness settings can be overridden by the flight crew to promote lighting uniformity during movies or sleeping hours in over-water flights.

We are seeing the next generation of window tinting technology here, on-the-fly personalization!

• New paint job
• New pictures and frames
• Covers and trims for furniture
• Use decorative window film
• Self adhesive large wall stickers

We definitely agree that use of decorative film inside a house can bring a professional spa or hotel feeling to your plain rooms.  Some uses of decorative films are:

• add privacy to glass
• add fun and flair to bathroom sliding glass
• reduce glare and add color to a room

With so many different types of frosts, textures, colors, and patterns to decorative film, it is really up to your imagination that limits what can be done.  Here are a couple of resource sites to consider when starting to explore the world of decorative window film.

• TintCenter Store Decorative Film
• SnapTint DIY Decorative Film
• Decorative Films

The Utah State Police did not support the proposed changes, and countered with standard arguments regarding police safety when approaching darkly tinted windows.  Cindy responded stating that 33 out of 50 other states has officers facing darker tint when approaching vehicles.

The Utah legislators passed on voting on the matter, effectively tabling the matter.

The TintCenter recommendation for the situation is for state legislators to allow at least UV/InfraRed blocking film like ceramic or nano-technology based third-generation window films on all windows of the vehicle including the windshield.  These films allow for 99% UV blocking and 90+% of Infrared rejection for the 99.9% of drivers on the road who want to protect their skin and health.  Ceramic and Nano Films also are exceptionally light allowing high transmissions of natural light which nullifies the police safety argument.

While police safety is important, it needs to be balanced with the public health.

“Many consumers are deciding for a variety of factors to stay in place and are looking for ways to improve the curb appeal and efficiency of their homes,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “Window film is a long-term and cost-effective solution for home improvement challenges. It can reduce energy consumption by reducing solar heat gain, and reduce the carbon footprint, while allowing you to enjoy natural light without the negative impact of harsh glare and UV exposure,” he added.

The booklet answers such common questions as:

• What is window film, why do I need it?
• What can window film do for me?
• High energy costs?
• Is window film validated or certified?
• What types of window film is there?

3M Crystalline is a third generation film with 90+% infra-red rejection capability.  Even the 90% VLT version of the film blocks around 40% of solar heat.  Pretty good performance for any vehicle.

Last year, when the tornado hit Joplin, Missouri.  Saint Johns Regional Hospital patients and buildings suffered.  All the windows on the buildings were blown out, and in the process, injuring the patients of the hospital.   With increased dangers of severe and non-normal weather as climate change progresses, Christi Hospital of Pittsburgh chooses to be prepared for future tornadoes by installing by installing protective film on all its windows.   The protective film fractions of an inch thick, yet keeps glass from shattering and flying in the face of not just tornado force winds, but also debris flying at tornado force speeds.

“It’s like hanging a piece of sheet metal on the glass,” Wocca said.

The hospital is installing the coating on 88 corridor windows as well as the five labor and delivery rooms on the hospital’s new third floor women’s center. Public relations director Michael Hayslip sad hospital administration decided to contract the $54,000 project after the May 22 tornado destroyed much of Joplin, Mo., and St. John’s Hospital.

“It comes down to safety, especially when you look at what happened at St. John’s,” Hayslip said. “Every window was blown out of the patient tower. We saw an instant need to find a product that will protect patients, families and employees.” – MorningSun.net

Congratulations to Hanita Coatings for winning this project.

TintCenter feels that this is quite achievable in the Thailand marketplace.  Other Asian countries like Taiwan has V-Kool firmly established as a mid-to-premium window film brand, enjoying a healthy share of the market.

“The merger is financially compelling for Solutia’s shareholders, delivering immediate value and enabling investors to benefit over the long term from the combined company’s growth,” Zona adds. Solutia shareholders will receive cash and stock valued at $27.65 per Solutia common share, representing a premium of 42 percent and a total transaction value of approximately $4.7 billion, including the assumption of Solutia’s debt, she says.

At a 42% premium price to market value, it seems to be quite a generous pricing that a large business of this size cannot ignore.  We all know pretty much everything about Solutia, but who is Eastman Chemical Company?

Eastman Chemical started back in 1920 by George Eastman of Eastman Kodak fame.  Film processing needed chemicals, and Eastman Chemical initially addressed this need.  Over the course of the last 100 years, Eastman Chemical expanded to become a global supplier of goods, addressing product markets like:

• Coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers and inks
• Fibers
• Performance chemicals and intermediates
• Polymers
• Specialty plastics

Eastman’s recent expansions into emerging global markets have not been as strong as hoped, but with the acquisition of Solutia with its strong performance of window films in Asian markets, Eastman hopes to re-ignite its global growth prospects.

Some links for those interested:

Eastman Historical Timeline

Eastman 2010 Annual Report

Not Mirae Nano is looking to extend to other product areas including our window film segment.  It will be interesting to follow what types of new products emerge from this world-class manufacturer as they handle the challenges of the window film market.

A nice investor presentation and company overview for Mirae Nano is available in their investor relations pages.

Nevertheless, this is a beautiful tint job to behold.  Enjoy.