Heucodur

infra-red reflecting

inorganic pigments

It is well known that a white surface remains cool in the sun, whereas a black one quickly heats up. The sun emits almost 50% of its energy in the near infra-red (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This radiation is absorbed by dark surfaces - such as roofs, walls and facades - and the energy is degraded
into heat.

This heat production leads to increased thermal degradation of the polymer matrix, discolouration and reduction in life-time of the affected components. Further, increased temperatures inside affected buildings lead to increased demand for air-conditioning, with its associated energy costs and possible envronmental damage.

Black surfaces strongly absorb both NIR and visible light, whereas white effectively reflects this radiation : from a designer's point of view, however, a white or pastel colour may not meet the consumer's demands.

The new range of Heucodur IR pigments offers a wide range of shades from yellow through to black and enables the formulation not only of architectural, building and construction coatings, tiles, plasters etc, but also automotive exterior and interior applications such as dashboards and tanks etc.

Use of Heucodur IR pigments extends the life of the polymer matrix and substantially reduces heat build-up as a result of the absorption of near ir radiation.