WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue University is continuing to work on the world's whitest paint.
The Guinness World Record holding paint is now thinner, lighter and could soon be available for purchase.
"We are in discussions right now to commercialize it,” said Xiulin Ruan, a Purdue professor of mechanical engineering and developer of the paint. "There are still a few issues that need to be addressed, but progress is being made.”
Purdue says the paint keeps surfaces so cool that it could reduce the need for air conditioning. Since its creation, Ruan says the two questions they've gotten are where it can be purchased and can it be thinner.
The original paint could cool outdoor surfaces by 4.5°C, but the amount of layers required for the paint could be too much for items that have size and weight requirements.
The original paint needed to be in a layer that was at least 400 microns thick. The new formula only needs one 150-micron layer and weighs 80% less while providing nearly the same amount of solar reflectance.
“This light weight opens the doors to all kinds of applications,” said George Chiu, a Purdue professor of mechanical engineering and an expert in inkjet printing. “Now this paint has the potential to cool the exteriors of airplanes, cars or trains. An airplane sitting on the tarmac on a hot summer day won’t have to run its air conditioning as hard to cool the inside, saving large amounts of energy. Spacecraft also have to be as light as possible, and this paint can be a part of that.”
Patent applications have been filed for the paint formulation.
-
Indy homeless shelters see record numbers amid frigid temps
Local homeless shelters are seeing an increased need this year as colder weather drives more of the unhoused community to seek shelter.
Carmel residents reflect on affordability as city looks back on 2025 progress
Carmel has been ranked the number one place to live in the nation for 2025 by neighborhood search site Niche, as the Hamilton County city continues to attract new residents.
One year later, Sheridan adds 2,000 residents after township reorganization
The small town of Sheridan has grown by 2,000 residents after successfully merging with Adams Township, but critics say tax increases could be on the way.
Prosecutor weighs charges against Anderson mother who fatally shot teen daughter
Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cumming said he does not believe the killing was malicious or intentional, though he is weighing whether to file charges in the case as the investigation continues.
