At one time the largest airport in the world was in Bangkok, Thailand. After being built the developers wanted to use the most groundbreaking ecological technology in their design so they decided on nanotechnology based heat barrier paint to provide a clear lining that protected their aluminum air-bridge walls from weathering and moisture.
The coverings protected in a thin, transparent coat with a much longer lifetime than old-style fibrous insulation, while also matching beautifully with the design aesthetics.
Since the initial 2005 installation, that same insulation coating is still keeping the Suvarnabhumi International Airport green and energy efficient.
Applying this insulation is also very cost efficient and does not require costly machinery or manpower. The coatings are coated on like paint, with a sprayer, brush or roller, onto walls, ceilings, roofs, or attics.
Nanotechnology-based heat resistant paints have been used around the world since first being introduced in 2004, and are surprisingly just now growing popular in the UK, which is a bit lagging behind other countries in usage of this cutting edge tech, although recognizing its value years ago. In 2007, Nansulate, a patented portfolio of heat barrier paints, were brought up in a report titled, “Environmentally Beneficial Nanotechnologies: Barriers and Opportunities” by the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). Under scientific analysis, five nanotech applications were put through a detailed study, and nanotech was found to have the capability to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2% in the near term and up to 20% by 2050.
Nanotechnology and Energy Savings
Nanotechnology is merely the manipulation of ingredients at a smaller scale than previously able to. By manipulating material at the nano scale, materials can be built from the atomic level upwards with much less waste. Materials can take on dissimilar characteristics when you handle them at this level, such as silver having anti-microbial properties or the ability to insulate in a much thinner layer.
Nansulate heat barrier paint technology incorporates a harmless micro-sized nanotech based matter with nano sized makeup that has a very low heat conductivity. Furthermore the matter is hydro-phobic, which offers mold and mildew resistance without the use of toxin or poisons. This matter is delivered in a uniquely formulated clear, love VOC, water-based coating that has outstanding adhesion and light resistance.
Reduction of heat as tested to ISO 8990:1990 “Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies” over 8 centimeter plastered, brick walls, was 34.8% at a standard 3-coat, which is approximately 6-7 mils dry film depth, and average energy savings reported by home and building owners is between 20%-40%.
Nansulate gained the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive certification for building construction standards in the European Union from the UNI EN ISO 8890:1999 tests, in regards to building lining specifications. Nanotech Coatings UK Ltd has also been given a contract with the British Board of Agreement, (“BBA”) for tests for the stated utilization of the product on inside walls and ceilings, and outside walls in residential houses for application over inside plaster and outside paneling.
The most difficult of buildings to provide insulation for are old ones. Lots of these contain solid block wall constructions that make it hard to insulate with traditional insulations. Furthermore, outdated fibrous insulations are very vulnerable to humidity, dirt, and other impurities which damage their effectiveness over time. By utilizing a fluid insulating technology that is applied just like a paint, life of the insulation is increased dramatically as well as constancy of performance. Nansulate coverings typically last from 5 to 10 years in outdoor applications, and over ten years in protected inside environments. The coat line is meant to last in all forms of severe environments from offshore oil platforms to freezing climates in Alaska.
Applying the paint is also very cost efficient and doesn’t need costly material. The coats are put on like paint, with a regular sprayer, brush or roller, onto walls, ceilings, roofs, or attics. The job is much like painting a wall; just it is done with a transparent insulation.
Mexico’s Government Health and Social Security administration (IMSS) – applied the Nanocoating in 2009 on the roof of their data center in Monterrey. This site holds the data servers which houses their digital patient information, and these servers were dying due to too much heat in the summer. Following the application of the coating and comparing year over year temp measurements, they confirmed reduction of the inside temperature by 27% and their issue with sever shut-down was resolved.
Homeowners benefit greatly from the ease of use and energy savings, with one Canvey Island residents Nansulate review being, “Prior to painting, our heating costs were quite high compared to what they are now. In fact, since applying the Nansulate I have been able to lower the thermostat from 5.5/6 to 3, basically halving the temperature.”
The future of insulation and energy efficiency is with nanotechnology. Just as computers and cellphones have become smaller and more efficient, so has our insulation technology. Heat resistant paints are the way of the future as the world gravitates toward more ecofriendly and efficient technologies that are inexpensive.
