Besides reflectivity, how do these new IR reflective pigments compare to currently used products?
There are two types of pigments used in coatings: organic and inorganic. Organic pigments, as a class, offer very vivid and bright colors but are generally not as lightfast and opaque as inorganic pigments. Due to their outstanding durability, it is the inorganic pigments that are used for applications that are warranted against color change from sunlight and the elements. For the most demanding applications, such as premium finishes for metal roofing, paint makers utilize a special class of inorganic pigments known as CICP’s (Complex Inorganic Color Pigments). Certain of these pigments exhibit high IR-reflectivity for a given visible color. This allows for the manufacture of colored metal roofs that can now meet the U.S. EPA’s EnergyStar and other regulatory and code requirements.
