Investigation of Asymmetric Optical Properties in Three-Layer Polyethylene-Ceramic Composite Films for Enhanced Solar Drying Efficiency.
( Pp. 257-266)
More about authors
Rakhimov Rustam Kh.
Dr. Sci. (Eng.); Head, Laboratory No. 1; Institute of Materials Science of the SPA “Physics-Sun” of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan
Ферганский политехнический университет
г. Фергана, Республика Узбекистан Mukhtorov Dilmurod N. assistant, Department of Electrical Engineering, Electrical Mechanics and Electrical Technology; Fergana Polytechnic University; Fergana, Republic of Uzbekistan
Ферганский политехнический университет
г. Фергана, Республика Узбекистан Mukhtorov Dilmurod N. assistant, Department of Electrical Engineering, Electrical Mechanics and Electrical Technology; Fergana Polytechnic University; Fergana, Republic of Uzbekistan
Abstract:
This study presents the development and spectral characterization of an asymmetric three-layer polyethylene (PE) composite film integrated with ceramic granules for solar drying applications. The primary objective was to investigate the influence of ceramic layer orientation on the optical transmittance, reflectance, and absorption properties within the UV-Vis-NIR range 300–1100 nm. Experimental results revealed that the composite film exhibits significant optical asymmetry compared to pristine PE. When correctly oriented (ceramic layer facing the product), the film demonstrates superior UV-blocking (reduction from 82.4 to 12.6%) and enhanced NIR absorption, facilitating the generation of pulsed infrared radiation. Conversely, reverse orientation significantly diminishes these effects due to increased surface reflection and thermal leakage. The findings confirm that the 3-layer asymmetric structure acts as a ’photonic valve,’ optimizing solar energy harvesting and thermal conversion. This research provides a technical foundation for utilizing directionally-active composite films to improve the efficiency and quality of solar-based food dehydration processes.
How to Cite:
Rakhimov R.Kh. and Mukhtorov D.N. Investigation of asymmetric optical properties in three-layer polyethylene-ceramic composite films for enhanced solar drying efficiency. Computational Nanotechnology. 13, 1 (2026), 257–266. DOI: 10.33693/2313-223X-2026-13-1-257-266. EDN: NIAQBY
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Barzic A.I. et al. Versatile adjustment of LDPE properties via specific treatments to design optical components for display technologies. Polymers. 2025. Vol. 17. No. 5. Art. 578. DOI: 10.3390/polym17050578.
Delgado A.E., Aperador V., Bautista-Ruiz J.H. Optical properties of LDPE films with different additives mixtures. Ingeniería y Ciencia. 2011. Vol. 7. No. 14. Pp. 49–70.
Prasad G., Sarkar S., Sethi L.N. Solar drying technology for agricultural produce: A review. Agricultural Reviews. 2024. Vol. 45. No. 4. Pp. 579–589. DOI: 10.18805/ag.R-2457.
Rakhimov R., Kuchkarov A., Mukhtorov D. Determining the ability of a solar dryer based on a polyethylene-ceramic composite to dry vegetables of various thicknesses. In: BIO Web of Conferences. 2024. Vol. 84. Art. 05031. DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20248405031.
Sakdapipanich J., Rodgerd P., Sakdapipanich N. A low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/macca carbon advanced composite film with functional properties for packaging materials. Polymers. 2022. Vol. 14. No. 9. Art. 1794.
Sultanova N., Kasarova S., Nikolov I. Dispersion properties of optical polymers. Acta Physica Polonica A. 2009. Vol. 116. No. 4. Pp. 585–587. DOI: 10.12693/APhysPolA.116.585.
Yao Y. et al. A review on the recent developments in solar drying: Mechanisms, challenges and perspectives. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. 2022. Vol. 248. Art. 111979. DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2022.111979.
Keywords:
asymmetric composite films, polyethylene-ceramic, spectral transmittance, solar drying, pulsed infrared radiation, optical asymmetry.
