Scientists have discovered a new environment-friendly and cheap glass paint that can keep metallic roofs and other such structures cool by reflecting sunlight off the metal surfaces even in the scorching sun.
Metal roofs and such structures become unbearably hot during summers boiling the poor souls who live underneath. The environment-friendly paint reflects sunlight of the metal surfaces and keeps it cool and long-lasting.
Jason J Benkoski at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab said, “Most paints you use on your house or car are based on polymers, which degrade in the ultraviolet light rays of the sun.”
Mr. Benkoski is working in creating paints that are long-lasting and durable for some time now. He wanted to move away from the traditional polymer based paints and instead wanted to use inorganic glass based paints.
Benkoski started with Silica, which is one of the most abundant compounds in earth’s crust. Working with some combinations, he used potassium silicate that is soluble in water. He worked on the compound until he perfected it to be sprayed on the surface. It dries to become water resistant.
In comparison to organic polymer based paints that are ecologically harmful and are not durable, Benkoski paint is completely inorganic and lasts longer.
Benkoski paint is also able to expand and contract according to the metal surface that it is coated thereby preventing cracking. This kind of flexibility can never be expected from traditional paints.
Aluminum surfaces commonly heat up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the hot sun. Heat accelerates corrosion of metallic surfaces and other wear and tear. The new paint will also ensure a reduction in energy costs by keeping the interiors of houses and automobiles cooler.
