Impact/Purpose:

In order to design an architectural coating capable of scattering and reflecting UV, Visible, and NIR radiation from the sun, the filler (scattering) particles must be optimized for full spectrum scattering. Our team will use glass hollow microspheres due to their preferred optical properties and low cost to create an architectural coating capable of significantly reducing solar gain on the exterior of a building.

Description:

Solar Gain is in part responsible for up to 56% of energy consumed by cooling systems in residential buildings. By reflecting and scattering radiant energy from the sun, the surface temperature of exterior walls and roofs can be greatly reduced. Previous studies have indicated that although TiO₂ based white paints are highly efficient at scattering visible light, absorption occurs for wavelengths of 650nm and higher. A coating utilizing a filler with a broad particle size distribution will reflect solar radiation from a broad range of wavelengths. Preliminary data suggests that glass hollow microspheres are the ideal candidate for scattering light from the visible region well into the near infrared region. Glass hollow microspheres are easily integrated into traditional binder systems such as acrylic or latex base, are fire retardant, and manufactured from commodity raw materials. By optimizing the particle size distribution and packing factor of the glass hollow microspheres, highly efficient, low solar gain coatings are possible. Optimization of the coating will involve a thorough analysis and characterization of starting material blends, characterization of mixed coatings and microstructural characterization of dried coatings.

URLs/Downloads:

Final Progress Report

Record Details:

Record Type:PROJECT( ABSTRACT )

Start Date:08/15/2008

Completion Date:08/14/2009

Record ID: 201233

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Related Organizations:

Role :OWNER

Organization Name :DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Mailing Address :3141 Chestnut St

Citation :Philadelphia

State :PA

Zip Code :19104

Project Information:

Approach :

By using Mie Theory as a basis for optimal particle size necessary to scatter a particular wavelength, a filler medium with preferred optical properties will be designed to encompass a corresponding particle size distribution, based on wavelengths to be scattered. The filler medium, or microspheres, will be bound by conventional binder systems such as latex or acrylic. Optical testing will be done on the microspheres to ensure proper scattering, and microstructural characterization will be conducted on coatings to optimize sphere distribution. Further work done on this project, budget permitting, includes field testing an optimized coating on an experimental property at Drexel University outfitted with proper measurement facilities.

Cost :$9,999.00

Research Component :Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development

Approach :

By using Mie Theory as a basis for optimal particle size necessary to scatter a particular wavelength, a filler medium with preferred optical properties will be designed to encompass a corresponding particle size distribution, based on wavelengths to be scattered. The filler medium, or microspheres, will be bound by conventional binder systems such as latex or acrylic. Optical testing will be done on the microspheres to ensure proper scattering, and microstructural characterization will be conducted on coatings to optimize sphere distribution. Further work done on this project, budget permitting, includes field testing an optimized coating on an experimental property at Drexel University outfitted with proper measurement facilities.

Cost :$9,999.00

Research Component :P3 Challenge Area - Materials & Chemistry

Approach :

By using Mie Theory as a basis for optimal particle size necessary to scatter a particular wavelength, a filler medium with preferred optical properties will be designed to encompass a corresponding particle size distribution, based on wavelengths to be scattered. The filler medium, or microspheres, will be bound by conventional binder systems such as latex or acrylic. Optical testing will be done on the microspheres to ensure proper scattering, and microstructural characterization will be conducted on coatings to optimize sphere distribution. Further work done on this project, budget permitting, includes field testing an optimized coating on an experimental property at Drexel University outfitted with proper measurement facilities.

Cost :$9,999.00

Research Component :P3 Challenge Area - Energy

Project IDs:

ID Code :SU833924

Project type :EPA Grant