Energy-Efficient Coatings: The Role of Heat-Reflecting Pigmentss

Given the increasing global demand for energy and the escalating climate crisis, the development of energy-efficient materials has become increasingly important. Heat-reflecting pigments play a key role in the formulation of coatings that reduce solar heat gain, thereby contributing to passive cooling strategies in buildings, vehicles and infrastructure. By reflecting infrared light and reducing heat, infrared reflective coatings can keep objects cooler and provide significant benefits across a range of applications. The main objective of our research was to investigate the influence of pristine cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) coatings and pigmented CNC coatings on the absorbance, reflectance and transmittance of light in the UV-VIS-NIR regions. In the study four different pigments were used (one heat-reflective and three effect pigments), which differ in chemical composition and particle size.