AkzoNobel is developing a hi-tech coating system that paints itself using renewable energy from the sun in a type of photosynthesis
This incredible technology is currently being developed by technicians in one of the AkzoNobel’s labs. It works when a small amount of paint is applied to a surface. Reacting to sunlight the paint grows expands to fill the designated area. The technology is integrated into the pigments and plays the role of a paintbrush. The paint stops growing when it reaches a special tape, which is used to mask off the boundary.
Using a synthesystem technology, performance of the coating is affected by the intensity of natural light. The size of the area to be treated will also have an affect on how well the coating works. The coating harnesses chemical energy by converting uses a renewable light source of energy to grow and expand over the selected area.
The new coating is being been developed for external use only at this stage. It will be employed for use in areas on structures that can be difficult to reach. Maintenance will therefore be safer and easier with this new innovative coating system.
Paint that paints itself
Harnesses energy from daylight
Paint spreads by itself
Designed for external use
Shining example of innovation
Says Opal Lofri, AkzoNobel scientist and project leader:
We’ve taken a leaf out of nature’s book by using renewable energy to power our paint. Our innovation embraces all areas of product development, including application, and the fact that we’re mimicking nature makes it extra special. You could say that our paint grows on you! There’s still some way to go in terms of perfecting the formula, but initial trials have been promising. It all grew from the seed of an idea and now it seems anything is possible. Who knows how far we can go?
