What’s the copper-free mirror ？

What’s the copper-free mirror？

In-depth analysis of the working principle and application prospects of copper-free mirror

 

If you go to the building materials market to select the mirror at the time, silver mirror, aluminium mirror and copper-free mirror, a wide range of dazzling. To understand the differences, we need to start with the manufacturing process of mirrors. The core principle is that the glass surface is coated with a reflective layer, which is then covered with a protective layer to extend the life of the mirror. The manufacturing process can be divided into three key stages:

The first step: building the perfect substrate

Rigorous glass selection: Transparent flat glass without bubbles or scratches is selected, usually in the range of 2 to 5 millimeters in thickness. This process is like carefully selecting a clear and flawless “canvas”, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent processes.

Fine Surface Polishing: Mechanical polishing removes minor surface imperfections, followed by deep cleaning with an acidic solution, such as hydrofluoric acid, to give the glass surface a mirror-like finish and a new luster.

Precision molding: When making curved mirrors, the glass is softened at a temperature of about 700°C and then pressed into the desired concave and convex curves with the help of molds, a process that is similar to “carefully stamping” the glass into a unique shape.

Step 2: Plating the bright reflective coat

The classic process of silver mirror is presented:

Elaborate mixing of “magic potion”: silver nitrate is skillfully mixed with ammonia to produce a clear and transparent silver ammonia solution, which is called the key “magic raw material” for the subsequent reaction.

Precise spraying triggers the reduction reaction: the prepared solution is sprayed evenly on the glass surface at a 15° angle of inclination, while glucose is added as a reducing agent to provide the necessary conditions for the subsequent reduction of the silver ions.

The silver layer grows steadily and takes shape: in a temperature-controlled environment of 25 – 30°C, the silver ions are gradually deposited, eventually forming a shiny silver film with a thickness of 0.1 – 0.3 microns, with a reflectivity of more than 95%, which seems to coat the glass with a layer of shining “bright silver armor”, giving the mirror excellent reflective properties.

The third step: cloak solid protective armour

Traditional silver mirror protection initiatives: after the completion of the silver-plating process, need to be plated with a layer of copper, this layer of copper is like a layer of silver cloaked in a layer of “solid bulletproof armor”, can effectively isolate the air to prevent oxidation of the silver layer. Finally, by spraying two layers of protective paint to strengthen the protection further, enhance the durability of the mirror. However, copper belongs to the category of heavy metals, and its disposal process may cause some pollution to the environment.

Eco-friendly copper-free mirror innovative protection: copper-free mirror is directly using a new passivated protective film to replace the copper layer, this nano-level of dense coating, not only can effectively prevent oxidation and scratches, to provide reliable protection for the mirror, but also to avoid the problem of heavy metal contamination, as if the traditional protection upgraded to a more advanced “environmentally friendly bulletproof vest”, both Environmental protection and practical double advantages.

Why are copper-free mirrors favored?

 

Inheritance of the essence of silver mirrors: the core reflective layer of copper-free mirrors is exactly the same as that of traditional silver mirrors, thus it is no less clear in terms of imaging clarity, and it can present users with clear and lifelike images.

Upgraded environmental performance: Copper-free mirrors abandon the copper layer, completely eliminating the possible pollution hazards of the copper layer, and its production process is more green and environmentally friendly, which is in line with the current concept of sustainable development.

Excellent moisture resistance: With the special protective film, the copper-free mirror can still keep the mirror surface clean and new in humid bathrooms, basements and other environments, effectively avoiding the production of oxidized black spots and ensuring the long-term stability of the use of the effect.

Thin and light design advantage: after eliminating the copper layer, the overall thickness of copper-free mirror is thinner and lighter in appearance, especially suitable for modern minimalist decoration style, which can add simple and fashionable beauty to the home environment without taking up too much space.

Comparison of different mirror parameters:

The next time you buy a mirror, remember: if used for wet space, give priority to copper-free silver mirror; dry areas can be based on budget choices; if the pursuit of cost-effective, aluminum mirror is a good choice. In this way, you can easily find the most suitable for their own needs of the “magic mirror”. Welcome to visit our factory to chioose the mirrors you like !