Donnelly Corporation, a supplier of automotive mirrors, has begun using Solid Polymer Matrix (SPM)(TM) technology to produce electrochromic (EC), automatic-dimming rearview mirrors.
Donnelly designe…
Donnelly Corporation, a supplier of automotive mirrors, has begun using Solid Polymer Matrix (SPM)(TM) technology to produce electrochromic (EC), automatic-dimming rearview mirrors. Donnelly designed its SPM(TM) technology to use a solid substance sandwiched between two pieces of glass, which darkens to reduce reflectivity when electric current is applied to it. With the older technology, which is currently the industry standard, the electrical current is applied to a liquid substance contained between two layers of glass. If the mirror is broken, the liquid substance can leak out and the mirror will fail immediately. Donnelly said with Solid Polymer Matrix(TM) technology, there is no liquid substance to leak, and the mirror can therefore continue to function for a period of time even if the glass is cracked. “An electrochromic mirror is essentially a safety product; it makes driving safer by eliminating glare,” said Dwane Baumgardner, Donnelly chairman and CEO. “Our new EC mirrors take safety two steps forward by eliminating the potential for fluid leaks and by dramatically improving the survivability of the product.” Donnelly also said that it plans to base most or all of its electrochromic mirror products on the company“s Solid Polymer Matrix(TM) technology. EC mirrors using the technology will begin appearing on production vehicles in North America and Europe next year.