In the world of green building and energy efficient homes there are always new products and techniques coming to market. One of these is hexagonal nanoplatelet boron nitride nanoporous paint (that’s a mouthfull!), often referred to as h-BN paint. Basically this is a type of paint that contains hexagonal nanoplatelet particles of boron nitride. Boron nitride is made of boron and nitrogen atoms. Hexagonal boron nitride is structured similar to graphite, with hexagonally arranged layers of boron and nitrogen atoms.
In the context of paint, hexagonal nanoplatelet boron nitride is in use especially as an additive to improve the paint’s properties. Consequently, companies are now experimenting with implementing it in hot climates to insulate exterior walls from heat. In one study, researchers were able to find a compound that not only retained a manageable thin viscosity, but also found the thermal benefits to be highly effective. They achieved high solar reflectance of 97.9% with a thin and lightweight layer of paint as well as full daytime cooling under direct sunlight with 9°F (5°C) below ambient temperature on average!
Five Reasons to Use Hexagonal Nanoplatelet Boron Nitride Nanoporous Paint
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Thermal Conductivity:
Hexagonal boron nitride is an excellent thermal conductor. Adding it to paint can enhance the paint’s ability to dissipate heat. This makes it suitable for applications where thermal management is important, such as coatings for electronic devices and exterior walls.
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Electrical Insulation:
Hexagonal boron nitride is an electrical insulator, making it useful for applications where you want to prevent the conduction of electricity, like insulating coatings for electrical components.
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Lubrication:
h-BN has a slippery, lubricious quality, making it useful as a solid lubricant in some coatings and paints.
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High Temperature Resistance:
It can withstand high temperatures without degrading, which makes it suitable for high-temperature coatings and materials.
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Non-Toxicity:
Hexagonal boron nitride is generally non-toxic, therefore making it safe for use in various applications.
So, the term “hexagonal nanoplatelet” refers to the tiny, flat, hexagonally shaped particles of boron nitride dispersed within the paint. These particles are very small, on the nanoscale, which is why have the term “nanoplatelets.” Their small size allows for even and efficient dispersion within the paint, which leads to improved performance in terms of heat dissipation, insulation, and other properties.
Overall, h-BN paint use is in specialized applications wherefore the unique thermal, electrical, and lubricating properties are beneficial. It can be used in electronics, aerospace, automotive, and other industries where these characteristics are crucial. So then, what about use in custom homes? According to the previous referenced study, this is a great material to use on exterior surfaces with the potential to greatly help with cooling costs. Do you consider yourself a maverick, embracing the latest and greatest in technology and blazing the trail for other homeowners? We would love to chat with you! Lets talk about the many options available to you to build a completely energy efficient home. So get in touch with us below.