Paint reduces heat absorption

Researchers at Purdue University, Indiana (USA) have produced a white paint with the aim of promoting the cooling of buildings and reducing the warming of the climate.

GS Xiulin Ruan next to new paint The paint is capable of reflecting 98% of sunlight as well as ultraviolet (UV) rays through the atmosphere into the space. During the test, this paint makes the surface temperature 4.50C lower than ambient temperature, even in strong sunlight. It is expected that this paint can be available on the market in 1-2 years. Reflective white paints are now much better than dark roofing materials, but only reflect 80% -90% of sunlight and absorb UV. This means they cannot cool surfaces below ambient temperature. New coatings do this, resulting in fewer need for air conditioners and reduced air conditioning emissions. “Our paint can help fight global warming by helping to cool the earth, which is the coolest point,” said Professor Xiulin Ruan of the research group at Purdue University. According to Professor Xiulin Ruan, painting a roof with an area of ​​93 square meters will save 10kW of electricity consumption of the air conditioner. The substance playing an important role in this new paint is barium sulphate. Unlike conventional titanium dioxide pigments, it does not absorb UV rays. This super white paint uses standard acrylic solvents and can be manufactured like conventional paints, the researchers said. The new paint will cost the same as today’s paints, they added, because barium sulfate is actually cheaper than titanium dioxide. However, it is necessary to evaluate the durability of this paint for a longer time.