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In-mold coating (IMC) is used to provide protection against ultraviolet (UV) degradation of reaction injection molded (RIM) polyurethane encapsulated modular windows. IMC is a cost-effective method of producing weatherable RIM encapsulated windows. Coating thickness along with intrinsic UV absorbance plays an important role in providing the needed protection from UV degradation. The effectiveness of various thicknesses of in-mold coatings was measured using a spectrophotometer. The thickness of the in-mold coatings was measured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Experiments were conducted to determine the desired coating thickness for the IMC process. A statistical analysis was performed on the coating thickness of in-mold coated windows produced under experimental conditions in order to determine the process capability to provide the desired coating thickness. This data was used to establish a lower limit on mean thickness to enable statistical process control.

Influenced both by styling considerations and by the aerodynamic benefits possible using flush glazing, car designers are making increasing use of glazing on automobiles. This leads to higher throughput of solar radiation into the car. Solar heat load will thus become a greater problem given that fuel efficiency requirements limit increase in the size of vehicle air-conditioners. Driver discomfort will increase due to the absence of shade, and greenhouse effects will become more serious. This leads to opportunities for energy-efficient glazing in vehicles. Smart windows - windows whose luminous and solar transmission vary dynamically to suit changing climatic conditions - have a potential application as energy-efficient automobile glazing. A variety of chromogenic technologies have been proposed. These include liquid crystal (LC) technology such as encapsulated LC devices consisting of small liquid crystal droplets encapsulated in a polymer matrix.