New Lightweight Nanospheres Could Revolutionize Aircraft Coating
Two material scientists from Kobe University, Fujii Minoru and Sugimoto Hiroshi, have developed a groundbreaking new substance that could revolutionize the coating of large devices like airplanes. These nanospheres, which are nearly invisible silicone crystals, have the ability to reflect light with very large and efficient scattering. Fast Company reports that this discovery could allow for a vibrant color coating with just 10% of the weight of traditional paint. This reduction in weight could have a significant impact on aircraft fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Aircraft must use more fuel as their weight increases, leading to higher costs for airlines and increased carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, using a lighter coating could directly impact these factors, resulting in cost savings and reduced environmental impact. The new nanosphere-based coating offers an innovative solution to this issue.
The discovery by Minoru and Hiroshi focuses on structural colors rather than pigment to achieve and maintain vibrant hues. Structural colors result from the interaction of light with micro- and nanostructures, causing color through interference, coherent scattering, or diffraction. This innovative approach to color production opens up new possibilities for creating vibrant and long-lasting hues.
The research led by Minoru and Hiroshi builds upon previous work in which they were able to create nanocrystals of a specific size. They then developed a colloidal suspension to keep the crystalline silicon nanoparticles mixed with supporting liquid. As a result, the color of the nanosphere-based ink can be varied based on the size of the nanocrystals. Larger particles produce warm colors like red, while smaller particles create cooler tones like blue. Regardless of the viewing angle, these shades should remain consistent.
t/f Summary: What’s Next
the discovery of these lightweight nanospheres represents a significant advancement in aircraft coating technology. This innovative approach to color production could have a transformative impact on the aviation industry, leading to reduced fuel consumption, cost savings, and environmental benefits.