The paint is applied in the form of a spray. Image Credit: ACS/JHUAPLThe paint is applied in the form of a spray. Image Credit: ACS/JHUAPLA team of scientists from Johns Hopkins University has developed a glass-based paint that reflects light off metal surfaces and protects those surfaces from corrosion caused by sunlight.

The silica-based paint reflects all sunlight and passively radiates heat, the researchers say.

“It was a pretty inexpensive solution that actually controls for convection, it controls for conduction and it’s really convenient,” says Jason Benkoski, senior scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.

Silica is almost entirely inorganic, and the researchers say it will last longer than more conventional, polymer-based paints.

“Most paints you use on your car or house are based on polymers, which degrade in the ultraviolet light rays of the sun,” says Benkoski. “So over time you’ll have chalking and yellowing. Polymers also tend to give off volatile organic compounds, which can harm the environment.”

Benkoski’s lab is developing the paint primarily for use on naval ships, but it has other possible commercial applications, such as automobiles, rooftops and any outdoor equipment.

To contact the author of this article, email GlobalSpeceditors@globalspec.com