South Korean Researchers Develop Pigment-Free Structural Color Paint

A South Korean research team has developed a pigment-free paint that uses structural color to reflect sunlight and reduce energy consumption [1, 2].

This innovation addresses the environmental impact of traditional coatings. By reflecting light rather than absorbing it, the paint can lower the cooling loads and overall energy requirements for large-scale surfaces like buildings and vehicles [1, 2].

Traditional paints rely on dyes and pigments to create color. However, these materials often absorb light, which increases the temperature of the surface and raises the energy needed for climate control. Reporter Kwon Seok-hwa of YTN said that dye and pigment-based paints have the disadvantage of absorbing light, which increases the energy use of buildings or vehicles ^[1].

To solve this, the researchers looked to nature. Certain biological structures, such as peacock feathers and butterfly wings, do not rely on chemicals for their hue. Kwon said that butterfly wings and peacock feathers produce brilliant colors through 'structural color,' which selectively reflects only specific wavelengths of light ^[1].

The new paint mimics this biological process. Instead of using chemical pigments that soak up solar radiation, the structural-color paint reflects the sunlight necessary to produce vivid visual tones [1, 2]. This mechanism allows the surface to remain visually striking without the thermal gain associated with standard dark or saturated pigments [1, 2].

By shifting the method of color production from absorption to reflection, the research team aims to create a more sustainable alternative for industrial coatings [1, 2]. The technology could potentially be applied to a wide range of urban infrastructure to mitigate the heat-island effect, and lower electricity costs for air conditioning [1, 2].