It is well known, that a white surface remains cool, while a black one heats up. The reason for this is the near infrared-radiation (NIR). The sun emits almost 50% of its energy as IR-radiation. The NIR radiation emitted by the sun is absorbed by roofs, walls and facades leading to heat build-up inside, because absorption converts light to heat.

Beside the heat build-up, the thermal degradation of the polymeric matrix of the coating will be speeded up. The consequence will be a higher demand for air-conditioning inside the buildings leading to increased energy consumption. Further more, discoloration and poorer performance regarding the mechanical properties of the polymeric matrix and in turn a reduction in the shelf-life are caused by solar emission. Black surfaces strongly absorb NIR- and visible light, while white surfaces are effective in reflecting NIR- and visible light. But from a designer's point of view, white or pastel colors cannot always satisfy the consumers' demands.

Our new range of HEUCODUR® IR Pigments offer a wide range of color shades from yellow through to black and enable the formulation of not only architectural, building and construction coatings, tiles, plasters etc., but also for automotive exterior and interior applications such as dash-boards, tanks etc.

The usage of HEUCODUR® IR Pigments extends the shelf-life of the polymeric matrix and substantially reduces heat build-up.