Page 42 - Respond 2018 Magazine

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Construction-site waste is also reduced, leading to a Save energy by keeping buildings cooler
lower environmental impact. For cities experiencing seasons with high temperature,
cooling building is a significant source of energy
One good example is the rising trend in the use of consumption. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Thermal Insulation Decorative Boards in China where Change anticipates that by 2100 the need for electricity
such boards deliver both aesthetics and insulation to power cooling will have increased to more than 30x
in one solution. Unlike a traditional External Thermal the level of year 2000. To decrease this need for cooling,
Insulation Composite System (ETICS/EIFS) where the choice of the paint on the building has an important
every layer is painstakingly applied and put together role as it can absorb more, or less of the solar energy,
on site, the coating layers are systematically applied subsequently transmitting this as heat energy to the
and combined with the insulation layer in a factory building. Traditionally the only way to influence this
environment. This enables a much higher construction was to recommend white or light shades which reflect
efficiency and better quality control than conventional light, notably visible light which contributes to 50%
ETICS/EIFS which can be highly subjective to the of the total solar energy. AkzoNobel has successfully
reliability and quality of workmanship. developed a first generation of paints that offer vivid
colours together with the ability to keep the surface
The controlled application processes also allow access cooler. This technology, KeepCool™, is based on special
to a much wider technology platform, some of which pigments that have been selected based on their ability
would have been inhibitive to use in traditional exterior to reflect better in the near infrared region of the solar
wall paint. For instance, with UV or high temperature spectrum, which contributes to 40% of the solar energy.
curing, new technologies can be considered such as The result is that the surface can be 5 degrees C lower
UV-cure binders, fluorocarbon polymers and sol-gel than without this technology, leading to a potential
processes. Advanced manufacturing processes, with 10 to 15% energy saving for the building. AkzoNobel
new technologies including 3D printing, will allow more is already progressing with the second generation of
sophisticated coating systems design, opening the way to thermal energy management, incorporating objects of a
advanced functionalities such as solar energy harvesting same size order as the wavelengths of light intended to
through photovoltaics, or thermoelectric features. scatter, but with a refractive index very different from
its surrounding medium. This allows light diffraction
Last, but not least, as the current market is mainly and scattering back part of the incoming energy.
driven by solvent-based solutions, AkzoNobel’s
objective and motivation is to develop, deliver and At AkzoNobel we are working everyday to propose
promote water-based solutions to contribute to the the most sustainable and performing products to
reduction of VOC emission, while maintaining an our customers. With their trust and support, we will
equivalent performance. continue to be a pioneer in the market on sustainability
and innovation.
AkzoNobel’s research community and our partners
are working hard to extend exterior wall paint www.akzonobel.com
functionality and durability to up to 30 years. This will
enable a much longer maintenance and repainting
cycle, hence reducing building maintenance costs and
environmental impact.

Pamela Phua has more than 20 years’ experience in Research,
Development and Innovation (RD&I) in the coatings industry. In
her current role as Director of RD&I for AkzoNobel, she drives
new technology development and product implementation
across the South East, South Asia and Middle East regions.
Ms Phua was instrumental in setting up the global research and
laboratory operations for AkzoNobel Decorative Paints (Global
Exterior Wallpaint Expertise Group) in 2011. In her global
capacity, Ms Phua implements the functional and product
innovation strategy for Exterior Wallpaint. She spearheads the
RD&I functional excellence, standards and capability.
pamela.phua@akzonobel.com