This is the whitest color in the world
Researchers at Purdue University in the US state of Indiana have developed a new color that can reflect almost 98 percent of the incoming sunlight. The scientists also speak of the whitest color in the world.
With the advancing climate change, the topic of “cooling” will probably become more and more relevant in the future. Air conditioning systems are already doing their job today, but due to the high power consumption, the systems are usually not sustainable. In addition to passive cooling, color could soon also help to solve the problem.
Because color determines how much an object heats up. For example, in summer you sweat faster in a black T-shirt than in a white shirt. The reason for this is that white color reflects significantly more sunlight. As a result, bright surfaces heat up significantly less and more slowly.
This is the whitest color in the world
It is precisely this fact that one would like to take advantage of in various disciplines. The problem so far, however, has been that reflective paint has always been associated with a higher weight. But a new color of Purdue University seems to be working now.
Because the researchers have developed the whitest color in the world, which reflects 97.9 percent of the incident sunlight with a 0.15 millimeter thick layer.
As a coating for aircraft or vehicles such as electric cars, the interior of the vehicle could be cooled by around 4.5 degrees Celsius – and that without air conditioning. To make this work, the researchers use a compound called hexagonal boron nitride. This is often used as a lubricant in industry.
Area has been explored for a little over 2 years
Scientists have been making progress in this area since 2020. With the first color mix, however, a layer of at least 0.4 millimeters was necessary. The color of the time reflected 95.5 percent of the incoming radiation, an improved version in 2021 around 98 percent.
There are still minor problems at the moment, but those responsible want to address them promptly. Airplanes or buses could then be painted with the color to reduce the vehicles’ fuel consumption. Although the color cannot replace air conditioning at 32 degrees, it can contribute to more sustainable cooling.
Also interesting:
