Thermochromic VO2/mica pigments were fabricated by an aqueous sol-gel and spray-drying method. XRD and SEM were used to investigate the structure and morphology of pigments, and the results show that the VO2 layer was composed of randomly oriented worm-like particles less than 300 nm in width. A thermochromic composite was prepared with the pigments and UV curing resin. The infrared transmittance change in the composite was measured from 24 degrees C to 100 degrees C by FTIR, showing very good thermochromic performance. The composite exhibits a transmittance of 50-55% in the visible range. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.