Nanopigments for a sustainable future
Nanotechnology is associated with high costs due to expensive and complex processes as well as the need for qualified personnel. New research is looking to develop cheaper nanotechnologically enhanced pigments based on older technology. The NANOPIGMY (More than color: Applying nanotechnologies for the multifunctional ceramic pigments development) initiative developed state-of-the-art pigments that can be used in buildings and the automotive industry. These pigments have anti-corrosive, antibacterial and self-cleaning properties. Furthermore, phase change materials made from these pigments can also be used to regulate the temperature of buildings. Researchers determined that even though the production of these pigments is associated with high carbon emissions, the application of this technology decreases net emissions. This is because 78-82 % of a building's carbon emissions is associated with indoor heating and cooling. Furthermore, automotive coatings that reflect radiation well can decrease the need for air conditioning and in turn decrease fuel consumption and increase sustainability. Researchers found that by using NANOPIGMY materials the environmental load of buildings is reduced considerably. This is due to the decrease in associated cleaning as well as the heating and cooling demands of the building. The reduction in environmental load was equivalent to that of 10 average people. This research has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and vehicles by decreasing the need for air conditioning. Self-cleaning and anti-corrosive properties will also aid in the long-term sustainability of these industries.
Keywords
Nanotechnology, pigments, buildings, automotive, phase change materials, emissions
