PPG Aerospace Solar-Control Coatings Use Eggplant-like Technology for Cooler Plane

April 7, 2015
A novel PPG Aerospace solar-heat-management coating system can reduce external aircraft skin temperatures up to 25 degrees F, helping keep interior cabin temperatures cooler by 5 to 7 degrees.

SYLMAR, Calif., April 7, 2015 – A new solar-heat-management coating system by PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) aerospace business helps keep aircraft passenger cabins cooler.

A novel PPG Aerospace solar-heat-management coating system can reduce external aircraft skin temperatures up to 25 degrees F, helping keep interior cabin temperatures cooler by 5 to 7 degrees.

“Airlines often avoid dark colors for airplane liveries because they can absorb as much as 90 percent of solar energy, which in turn heats the interior while a plane is on the ground,” said Mark Cancilla, PPG global director for aerospace coatings. “Our innovative paint technology means airlines no longer have to avoid dark colors. In fact, the darker the color, the greater the difference there is in total solar reflectance. There is no compromise of other coating properties.”

PPG solar-heat-management coatings technology is based on development of novel pigment dispersions, or stainers, that increase transmittance of near-infrared energy, or heat, through a dark coating and increase the subsequent reflection from a white underlayer. Cancilla said the technology is modeled after the eggplant, which naturally remains cool to the touch even when exposed to intense sunshine. The eggplant’s dark purple skin does not absorb near-IR radiation but transmits it to the white interior flesh, where it is reflected and transmitted out through the skin.

PPG’s technology works in the same way. Cancilla said PPG’s solar-heat-management coating system is being evaluated by several airlines and aircraft manufacturers.

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer of aerospace sealants, coatings, and packaging and application systems. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. For more information, visit www.ppgaerospace.com.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)

PPG Industries’ vision is to be the world’s leading coatings company by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable solutions that customers trust to protect and beautify their products and surroundings. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG provides added value to customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2014 were $15.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPGIndustries on Twitter.

Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.