Butterfly-inspired paint saves energy!

2 Apr 2023

Image depicting World's Lightest Paint: Boeing 747 Covered!

Butterfly-inspired paint saves energy!

Butterfly-inspired paint saves energy!Scientists have created the lightest paint ever made, called plasmonic paint. The paint is inspired by butterfly wings! In addition, it is made of nanoparticles of two colourless materials, aluminium and aluminium oxide.

They are arranged in a way that creates colour structurally. This means that the paint reflects the entire infrared spectrum. This results in keeping structures cooler, and absorbing less heat.
Important Details

The plasmonic paint is also the lightest paint created to date.
 	According to the makers, it would only take 3 pounds of plasmonic paint to cover a Boeing 747.
 	On the other hand, it would take at least 1,000 pounds of conventional commercial paint.
 	The paint also lasts for centuries and can significantly reduce the number of greenhouse gases required for flight.
 	The researchers created the paint using an electron beam evaporator.
 	It allows small clusters of aluminium nanoparticles to self-assemble in different colours.
 	Further, the researchers combined the structural colour flakes with a commercial binder.
 	This technique ensures that the paint lasts longer.
 	The paint can also help to keep surfaces up to 16 degrees Celsius cooler than regular commercial paint.
 	Although the paint has only been created in the lab, the researchers are working to scale up the process and make it available to the public.

Important Details

The plasmonic paint is also the lightest paint created to date.
According to the makers, it would only take 3 pounds of plasmonic paint to cover a Boeing 747.
On the other hand, it would take at least 1,000 pounds of conventional commercial paint.
The paint also lasts for centuries and can significantly reduce the number of greenhouse gases required for flight.
The researchers created the paint using an electron beam evaporator.
It allows small clusters of aluminium nanoparticles to self-assemble in different colours.
Further, the researchers combined the structural colour flakes with a commercial binder.
This technique ensures that the paint lasts longer.
The paint can also help to keep surfaces up to 16 degrees Celsius cooler than regular commercial paint.
Although the paint has only been created in the lab, the researchers are working to scale up the process and make it available to the public.

Watch a video

The Youtube Channel “IOX” shares a short listicle on the super light paint.

Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories and kids’ contributions. Check out daily JokesPoke, Tongue Twisters, Word of the Day and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.

ME – My Expressions at Curious Times is your place to get your work published, building your quality digital footprint. And it is a good way to share your talent and skills with your friends, family, school, teachers and the world. Thus, as you will step into higher educational institutes your published content will showcase your strength.

Events, Quizzes and Competitions bring students from over 5,000 schools globally to participate in the 21st-Century themes. Here schools and students win certificates, prizes and recognition through these global events.

Sign-up for your school for FREE!

Communicate with us: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

0 (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

Share your comment! Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

To post your comment Login/Signup