The
Application of Infrared Reflective Pigmentation Technologies
Coatings are utilized for their ability to
visually beautify and functionally protect many types of materials such as
metals, woods and composites. Recent advances in specialty infrared reflective
pigmentation technologies allow the coatings formulator, and thus the original
equipment manufacturer or contractor, to impart an additional functionality to
their products. This functionality enhances the overall value of the products.
This functionality is the ability to reflect invisible heat energy while
achieving a desired visible color. The reflection of heat energy results in a
lower temperature substrate when exposed to sunlight. The lower substrate
temperature has a direct impact on reducing the cooling load in a building, for
example, when used in a roofing application. The higher infrared reflectivity
of the substrate results in other benefits such as reduced warpage, reduced
thermal cycling, reduced chemical degradation and the improved comfort of
people in direct contact with the substrate.