As scientists search for a solution to the global climate crisis, a new idea emerges every day. Finally, a new paint developed in the USA can be a solution for cooling buildings, especially in large cities where construction is concentrated.
According to the Guardian’s report, Professor of Prudue University. Xiulin Ruan This product, which is described as “the whitest paint in the world”, has the feature of reflecting 98 percent of sunlight back and sending infrared heat back to space. In the tests carried out, it was revealed that the temperature of the paint on the surfaces can be reduced to 4.5 degrees below the ambient temperature even when the sunlight is very strong. The researchers announced that the paint could be available in 1-2 years.
In fact, painting the roofs of buildings white is a cooling technique that has been used for centuries in hot climates. Today, when global temperatures are increasing, this technique has become used in many places from India to the USA.
WHAT IS THE FEATURE OF THE NEW PAINT?
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The reflective white paints currently available can reflect up to 80-90 percent of sunlight and absorb ultraviolet rays. This means that the surfaces cannot fall below the ambient temperature. As the newly developed paint can reduce the surface temperature below the ambient temperature, it reduces the need for air conditioners in hot weather and therefore the carbon secreted in this way.
“Our paint can contribute to the fight against global warming by helping to cool the Earth. Producing the whitest white means that the paint can reflect the maximum amount of sunlight into space,” Ruan said in a statement on the subject.
Ruan stated that painting a 93 square meter roof with this paint provides 10 kilowatts of cooling power. “This is a higher level than central air conditioning systems used in many homes.”
One of the places where white roofs are most common is Greece. Photo from the capital Athens
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THREE IMPORTANT FACTORS
Details about the paint have been published in the science journal ACB Applied Materials & Interfaces. According to the magazine, there are three factors that play a role in the paint being so effective in cooling.
First, this paint uses barium sulfate as a pigment, unlike other paints. Unlike the traditional pigment titanium dioxide, barium sulfate does not absorb ultraviolet rays. The second factor is the density of the pigment used. This new paint uses 60 percent barium sulphate.
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Third, the pigment particle size is not constant. The amount of light a particle scatters depends on the size of that particle. Therefore, the fact that there are particles of different sizes in the paint allows the spectrum of light from the sun to spread more.
SENDING THE HEAT BACK TO THE SPACE
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Ruan’s lab evaluated more than 100 different ingredients and tested more than 50 formulations for each ingredient. As a result, it was decided on a formulation that can reflect the light of 98 percent. Another paint developed by the team uses calcium carbonate, or chalk powder, and reflects 95.5 percent of sunlight.
When surfaces are coated with a paint containing barium sulfate, it can drop below ambient temperature because it reflects the vast majority of light even in direct sunlight and can radiate infrared heat at a wavelength that air does not absorb. “Radiation can pass through the atmosphere and disappear directly into space,” Ruan explained.
The researchers also stated that the standard acrylic solvent is used in the paint and its production is not different from conventional paints. Likewise, the price of the paint will not be higher than conventional paints, because barium sulphate is a cheaper material than titanium dioxide. Experts, who also tested the abrasion resistance of the paint, underlined that trials should be made against long-term weather conditions.
Photo: Purdue University
“WHITE THAN SNOW”
Well, could a paint that reflects the light so much be harmful to the eyes? Answering this question, Ruan said, “Our surface reflects sunlight in a diffuse way, so there is no strong reflection in one direction. It has only a bright white image; a little whiter than snow.”
The university and research team also filed a patent application for the paint. Stating that they are working with a large company for the commercial production of paint, Ruan said, “If we act quickly, I hope the paint will be available in the market in a year or two.”
HOPE BUT THERE ARE DISADVANTAGES
Experts who have evaluated the research also believe that this discovery may be promising. “The use of paint for coolness is not new, but the potential to improve the situation when used extensively is still high. This research takes a step towards solutions that can be commercially meaningful,” says Lukas Schertel, a light dispersion expert at Cambridge University. If it does, I am confident that it will reduce carbon emissions and have a global impact, “he said.
Stating that the pigment density is very high and the application of the paint in thick layers may cause cost problems, Schertel said, “The main cost in paint is the pigment.” Ruan said they hoped to optimize the paint so that it could be used in thinner layers. The team is also trying to use other materials to simplify implementation and reduce costs.
GREEN ROOFS ALTERNATIVE TO WHITE ROOFS
“It is very exciting in principle, very logical scientifically. But I think there may be logistical problems that cannot be ignored. How many million tonnes of barium sulfate will be needed?” Said Andrew Parnell, who studies sustainable siding at the University of Sheffield. he spoke.
Parnell emphasized that in order to evaluate the effect of the paint more accurately, the carbon dioxide produced by the production of barium sulphate should be compared with the carbon emission reduction achieved by the use of the paint. Parnell also added that greening roofs with plants instead of painting them white could be a more sustainable solution in many places.
According to Project Drawdown, a charity analyzing climate solutions, the spread of white and green roofs could prevent 600 million to 1.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide production by 2050. This is equivalent to 1-2 years of Turkey’s greenhouse gas emissions.
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