Development of Effective Infrared Reflective Coatings

Abstract

Featured Application: This infrared reflective coating could be applied to vehicles and buildings in order to save energy. The adsorption of surfaces exposed to sunlight results in increased temperatures that can cause physical damage and an increase in energy consumption. Infrared reflective coatings can keep objects cooler and have significant benefits in a wide variety of application by reflecting infrared light and decreasing heat, reducing operating costs, improving energy efficiency in buildings and vehicles, and extending an objects’ lifespan. The main aim of our research was to develop coatings in a RAL7016 Anthracite grey color with minimum heat adsorption in the infrared wavelength range. This was achieved using a combination of infrared transparent and infrared reflective pigment built-in coatings applied on two primers: white and black. Infrared reflectivity or transparency, as well as surface temperature, was investigated as a function of the composition and concentration of pigments. These coatings were characterized by chromatic parameters, by total solar and infrared solar reflectance in the UV, visible, and infrared wavelength range, and by heat reflection. Among the coatings developed, two produced very effective controls for infrared reflectance and transparency, and they could control heat reflectance, resulting in a significant decrease in surface temperature.