Coating composition

Abstract

The invention relates to a coating composition comprising (i) a supporting medium, and (ii) a plurality of cellulose particles, having an average dry particle size of less than 10 μm, dispersed in the supporting medium, excluding aqueous coating compositions adapted for application to paper. The invention also relates to a coating composition comprising (i) a supporting medium, and (ii) a plurality of cellulose particles, having an average dry particle size of less than 10 μm, dispersed in the supporting medium in an amount of less than about 5 g/L. The coating compositions of the invention form coatings which have useful thermal properties.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to coating compositions which form coatings which have useful thermal properties.BACKGROUND ART[0002]It is well understood that heat can be transmitted from one place to another by three mechanisms, namely radiation, conduction and convection.[0003]The benefits of insulating buildings and other structures have long been understood. Typically, buildings and other structures are insulated using poor thermal conductive materials such as fibreglass and wool. These materials are typically used in the walls and ceilings of structures to retard the transfer of heat into the structure during warmer months, and to retard the transfer of heat out of the structure during cooler months.[0004]A number of attempts have been made to develop paints that effectively retard the transfer of heat through a surface to which the paint has been applied. For example, materials such as sodium bicarbonate and steric acid, potassium titanate fibres, glass fri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032]The inventors have found that when a coating according to the present invention is applied to a surface, and the coated surface is exposed to radiant heat, the coating reduces or increases the heat transferred through the surface compared to similar coatings formed from coating compositions not containing particles of cellulose.

[0033]For example, when a coating according to the present invention is applied to the external surfaces of a metal structure, and the structure is exposed to radiant heat, the coating insulates the structure maintaining the interior of the structure at a temperature significantly lower than that of an equivalent structure having a coating formed from a similar coating composition not containing particles of cellulose, or an equivalent structure having no coating on the external surfaces. Further experiments undertaken by the inventors also suggest that if the ambient temperature outside the structure falls below the internal temperature of the structure, the coating on the external surface of the structure serves to facilitate the transmission of heat out of the structure at a more rapid rate than an equivalent structure having a coating on the external surfaces formed from a similar coating composition not containing cellulose particles, or an equivalent structure having no coating on the external surfaces. This is a particularly useful feature for structures such as buildings containi

Problems solved by technology

Typically, buildings and other structures are insulated using poor thermal conductive materials such as fibreglass and wool.

Each of these additives has been of only limited value in producing thermally insulating paints.

Further, the inclusion of such additives in paint often detracts from the desirable properties of paint, such as its ease of application to surfaces, and the aesthetic appearance of the paint coating.

The described dimensions of the bagasse particles included in the composition make the composition difficult to apply to a surface and may have undesirable effects on the appearance of th

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