A team of scientists at the University of Central Florida have developed a revolutionary new paint that mimics the structural coloring found in nature. This type of coloring, which is used by creatures like butterflies and beetles, doesn’t rely on pigments but rather on the topography of the surface to create vibrant colors. The new paint is ultralight, durable, and keeps surfaces cooler, making it ideal for use on everything from airplanes to buildings.
Discovering Structural Color
The team at the University of Central Florida stumbled upon the discovery of the new paint while trying to create a long continuous aluminum mirror using an electron beam evaporator. Despite numerous failed attempts, they noticed that the aluminum clumped together, creating microscopic “nanoislands.” This prevented the mirror from developing the highly reflective surface required for a mirror. However, they noticed that the aluminum’s electrons became agitated when ambient light hit the nanoparticles, causing them to oscillate. They then realized that by changing the dimensions of the nanoparticles, they could create all colors.
Creating Ultralight, Durable Paint
To create the paint, the team grew aluminum nanoislands in a double-sided mirror and then dissolved sheets of them into dust the consistency of powdered sugar. They then mixed the various colored materials with binders to make paint. Due to its structural nature, only a very thin coat is needed to color a surface, making it ultralight. It’s also incredibly durable, meaning that it doesn’t fade in the sun and needs repainting only when you want to change colors. Additionally, it keeps surface temperatures 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than traditional paint, regardless of the color.
Potential for Massive Fuel Savings
The new paint has the potential to make a significant impact on the airline industry, which currently requires about 1,000 pounds of paint for a Boeing 747. However, the team estimates that it would take less than three pounds of their structural color to coat a jet, saving over 997 pounds. While this may not seem significant for a craft that weighs just south of a million pounds, even a small reduction in weight can result in massive fuel savings. For example, American Airlines saved 400,000 gallons of fuel and $1.2 million annually by removing only 67 pounds of pilot manuals from its planes. Switching to a lighter paint that shed 62 pounds from its 737s saved another 300,000 gallons in 2021.
The team is now seeking commercial partners to help bring the paint to market. If successful, this new paint has the potential to revolutionize the way we paint everything from planes to cars to buildings.
