Last year We speak of those achieved by researchers at Purdue University achieving a new formula for the whitest paint in the world, which was capable of reflecting 98.1% of all the light that hits it. Now, the same team has achieved a version that is thinner and lighterideal for use in cars, trains and airplanes.
As they explain, the new material presents boron nitride in the form of hexagonal nanoplatelets and offers a solar reflectance of 97.9%, somewhat below the original, although in layers only 150 microns thick. In other words, the new paint is not only thinner, but also has a lower density and therefore weighs around 80% less.
According to George Chiu, Purdue professor of mechanical engineering:
This light weight opens the doors to all kinds of applications. Now this paint has the potential to cool the exteriors of planes, cars or trains. A plane sitting on the tarmac on a hot summer day won’t have to run the air conditioning as hard to cool the interior, saving huge amounts of energy. Spaceships also have to be as light as possible, and this painting can be part of that.
If last year’s development represented progress in terms of energy efficiency, with the new work the horizon is broadened. In fact, they are in talks to commercialize their paint and, having filed patents for the technology, the possibilities are huge.
G/O Media may get a commission
For Ruan, “using this paint will help cool the surfaces and greatly reduce the need for air conditioning. This not only saves money, but also reduces energy use, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”[[NewAtlas]
