Application of Noble Metal Nanoparticles to Point Colorants

Abstract

Highly concentrated pastes of Au and Ag nanoparti- cles were prepared by a novel method using a comb- shaped block copolymer and an amine as protective colloid and reducing agent, respectively. The nanopar- ticles were applied to paint colorants utilizing the sur- face plasmon light absorption. Au and Ag nanoparti- cles exhibited clear red and yellow colors , respec- tively. It was revealed that the nanoparticles possess aesthetic color properties such as transparency and color saturation as well as excellent weather durability. Further, a novel metal paint system was also developed from using the condensed Ag paste, which enables us to produce metal like coatings by a simple, dry and en- vironmentally friendly process.