PPG Aerospace solar-control coatings use eggplant-like technology for cooler plane

A new solar-heat-management coating system by PPG Industries’ aerospace business helps keep aircraft passenger cabins cooler.

A novel PPG Aerospace solar-heat-management coating system can reduce external aircraft skin temperatures up to 25 degrees F, helping keep interior cabin temperatures cooler by 5 to 7 degrees.

"Airlines often avoid dark colours for aeroplane liveries because they can absorb as much as 90% of solar energy, which in turn heats the interior, while a plane is on the ground,” said Mark Cancilla, PPG Global Director for aerospace coatings. "Our innovative paint technology means airlines no longer have to avoid dark colours. In fact, the darker the colour, the greater the difference there is in total solar reflectance. There is no compromise of other coating properties.”

PPG solar-heat-management coatings technology is based on development of novel pigment dispersions, or stainers, that increase transmittance of near-infrared energy, or heat, through a dark coating and increase the subsequent reflection from a white underlayer. Cancilla said the technology is modelled after the eggplant, which naturally remains cool to the touch even when exposed to intense sunshine. The eggplant’s dark purple skin does not absorb near-IR radiation but transmits it to the white interior flesh, where it is reflected and transmitted out through the skin.

PPG’s technology works in the same way. Cancilla said PPG’s solar-heat-management coating system is being evaluated by several airlines and aircraft manufacturers.

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer of aerospace sealants, coatings, and packaging and application systems. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. For more information, visit www.ppgaerospace.com.