The Insulating Architectural Coating group (we can’t quite call them paints, since ) is using selective near-IR scattering filler particles to insulate building materials from IR radiation produced by the sun. For those non techspeak folk: Basically, normal (TiO2 based) paints don’t efficiently insulate surfaces from heat produced by the sun, so this group is using specialized particles in the paint to reflect selected IR radiation, reducing the surface temperature of the coating.

The project has already seen promising (unpublished) results. Advanced architectural coatings are important to the smart house because they will significantly improve energy efficiency.

This group is looking for two students who are interested in this project. Research will involve mixing and testing samples using infrared radiation, exploring coating methods, materials, applications in the smart house, and ASTM standards. Please email join@drexelsmarthouse.com or attend todays’s meeting if you are interested.