Paint composition

Abstract

The present invention discloses a paint composition comprising: a heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent; a binder; a pigment; and a solvent, wherein the heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent is a nano-sized biomass-based particle.

Description

[0001] PAINT COMPOSITION

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a paint composition. More particularly, the invention relates to a paint composition possessing high heat reflective and insulation properties, and simultaneously, capacity to adsorb carbon dioxide from the surrounding atmosphere.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The field of coatings and paint compositions has been a focal point of continuous innovation and research, spurred by the persistent quest for paints that can simultaneously address environmental concerns and enhance performance. Historically, conventional paints have been composed of binders, pigments, solvents, and additives. These compositions, while widely used, have faced challenges in meeting evolving standards related to sustainability, energy efficiency, and air quality.

[0006] One aspect of the prior research focuses on attempts to develop paint compositions with superior heat-reflective and thermal insulating capabilities. Researchers have explored various additives, pigments, and compositions aimed at minimizing the absorption of solar radiation, thereby mitigating heat buildup on surfaces coated with such paints. Reflective coatings have found applications in diverse fields, including building materials, automotive finishes, and industrial coatings, as they contribute to energy efficiency and mitigate the urban heat island effect. While progress has been made in enhancing the reflectivity of paints, challenges persist in achieving optimal performance across diverse substrates and environmental conditions. Previous compositions often sacrificed other critical paint properties, such as adhesion and durability, to achieve higher reflectance.

[0007] Concurrently, there exists a body of prior research dedicated to addressing the environmental impact of paint compositions. The significance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change has prompted investigations into coatings that can actively participate in carbon dioxide removal. While some paint compositions have incorporated adsorbent materials, the challenge lies in achieving a balance between effective adsorption of carbon dioxide and maintaining other essential properties of the paint, such as adhesion, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

[0008] In certain aspect of the prior research, advancements have been made in the realm of nanotechnology applied to paint compositions. Nanoparticles have been introduced to enhance various properties, such as adhesion, scratch resistance, and UV stability. However, the integration of nanotechnology into paint compositions with a dual functionality of high heat reflectivity and insulation for passive cooling with carbon dioxide adsorption represents a novel and relatively unexplored area. Prior research in nanotechnology for paints has primarily focused on individual features, and the synergy required for achieving both objectives remains a gap to be addressed.

[0009] The global shift toward sustainable practices and increased regulatory scrutiny of emissions and environmental impact have further intensified the demand for eco- friendly coatings. Industries and consumers alike are seeking paints that not only meet stringent performance standards but also actively contribute to environmental goals. This context underscores the importance of developing paints that strike a balance between functionality, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance.

[0010] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a solution that aligns with the evolving needs of the coatings industry and the global commitment to sustainable practices. This invention provides such a paint composition.

[0011] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] The present invention describes a paint composition comprising: a heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent; a binder; a pigment; and a solvent, wherein the heat- reflective and thermal insulating agent is a nano-sized biomass-based particle.

[0013] Preferably, the heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent is present in an amount of 1% to 10% by volume of the paint composition.

[0014] Preferably, the biomass-based particle is a biomass-based phenolic particle.

[0015] Preferably, the heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent is derived from lignocellulosic biomass having a thermal conductivity value of less than 0.2 W / mK. More, preferably, the lignocellulosic biomass is empty fruit bunch.

[0016] Preferably, the paint composition further comprises a carbon dioxide adsorbent.

[0017] Preferably, the carbon dioxide adsorbent is present in an amount of 1% to 10% by volume of the paint composition.

[0018] Preferably, the carbon dioxide adsorbent is derived from biomass. More preferably, the biomass is empty fruit bunch.

[0019] Preferably, the paint composition further comprises an additive, including, but is not limiting to, one or more of a water softening agent, a pH stabilizer, a deformer, a dispersion agent, a thickener, and an extender.

[0020] Preferably, the particle size of the paint composition is in nano-size (less than 100 nm).

[0021] The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and particularly pointed out in the appended claims; it is being understood that various changes in the details may be affected by those skilled in the arts but without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there are figures illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a graph showing the ambient temperature and the surface of temperature of both the painted and unpainted cement containers over time.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a graph showing the ambient temperature and the inner surface temperature of the samples over time.

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0028] The present invention describes a paint composition comprising: a heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent; a binder; a pigment; and a solvent.

[0029] A heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent, as described herein, includes any substance or material that has reflective properties in the infrared spectrum and is compatible with a paint composition. Upon application of the paint composition, the painted surfaces exhibit the ability to reflect or redirect a significant portion of the incoming solar or infrared radiation. Essentially, this process involves bouncing back or dispersing thermal energy, preventing its absorption by the painted surface. Consequently, the absorption of heat is minimized, and the transfer of heat energy is reduced. This can help keep the painted surfaces cooler, reduce the need for air conditioning, and contribute to energy savings. Preferably, the heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent is a nano- sized biomassbased particle, such as a nano-sized biomass-based phenolic particle. Biomass-based particle is a type of polymer material derived from renewable biomass sources. The biomass-based particle can be in the form of solid or liquid. The biomass sources can include plants, such as corn, sugarcane, soybeans, and other agricultural crops. The heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent, the nano-sized biomass-based particle, or the nano-sized biomass-based phenolic particle can be derived from lignocellulosic biomass having a thermal conductivity value of less than 0.2 W / mK and are essential for passive cooling and passive heating applications. Passive cooling, facilitated by exterior paint, encompasses a building design approach that emphasizes the control of heat gain and the promotion of heat dissipation. This strategy aims to improve indoor thermal comfort while minimizing energy consumption by reducing heat gain and enhancing heat loss. Passive heating facilitated by interior paint entails the use of heat-reflective properties, resulting in the absorption and retention of heat within a space. The retained heat is released gradually with slow heat transfer across the painted interior surface. This results in a warmer indoor environment, proving especially advantageous during the winter season. In this regard, the nano-sized biomass-based particle derived from such lignocellulosic biomass exhibits low thermal conductivity, resulting in improved insulation properties. Passive cooling and passive heating play a vital role in minimizing heat transfer across a surface or structure. This is essential for maintaining a temperature differential between the two sides of the said surface or structure. Examples of such lignocellulosic biomass include, but are not limited to, empty fruit bunch, palm kernel shell, oil palm fronds and trunks, bamboo, acacia, rice husk, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the lignocellulosic biomass is empty fruit bunch.

[0030] In an embodiment, the heat reflective and thermal insulating agent, the nano- sized biomass-based particle, or the nano-sized biomass-based phenolic particle can be derived from pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass. Conventional thermochemical pyrolysis techniques may be employed. To illustrate, the lignocellulosic biomass can be first dried to remove all water content and subsequently delignified with sodium hydroxide. The delignified lignocellulosic biomass can be reduced to smaller size and then pyrolyzed at the present of catalysts and at temperature of about 300 °C to 400 °C, yielding the nano-sized biomass-based particle and other products in solid and gaseous forms.

[0031] The biomass-based particle exhibits an average particle size within the nano range. This nanoparticle size is advantageous in enhancing the heat reflective properties of the biomass-based particle. In an embodiment, the average particle size of the biomass-based particle is less than 100 nm, for example, less than 95 nm, less than 90 nm, less than 85 nm, less than 80 nm, less than 75 nm, less than 70 nm, less than 65 nm, less than 60 nm, less than 55 nm, less than 50 nm, less than 45 nm, less than 40 nm, less than 35 nm, less than 30 nm, less than 25 nm, less than 20 nm, or less than 10 nm.

[0032] In an embodiment, the heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent may be present in an amount of about 1% to 10% by volume based on the total volume of the paint composition, for example, about 1% to 9% by volume, or about 1% to 8% by volume, or about 1% to 7% by volume, or about 1% to 6% by volume, or about 1% to 5% by volume, or about 1% to 4% by volume, or about 1% to 3% by volume, or about 2% to 10% by volume, or about 2% to 9% by volume, or about 2% to 8% by volume, or about 2% to 7% by volume, or about 2% to 6% by volume, or about 2% to 5% by volume, or about 2% to 4% by volume, or about 2% to 3% by volume, or about 3% to 5% by volume, or about 3% to 8% by volume, or about 3% to 10% by volume, or about 5% to 8% by volume, or about 5% to 10% by volume.

[0033] In an embodiment, the paint composition may further comprise a carbon dioxide adsorbent. A carbon dioxide adsorbent as described herein, includes any substance or material that is capable of adsorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) and is compatible with a paint composition. When the paint composition is applied and the painted surface is exposed to sunlight, the surface becomes activated by the sunlight. Subsequently, the painted surface attracts and adsorbs carbon dioxide molecules from the surrounding atmosphere. The captured carbon dioxide molecules are then converted into innocuous elements, thereby assisting to reduce carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. The conversion process involves the reaction:

[0034] Preferably, the carbon dioxide adsorbent is derived from biomass waste. The biomass can include plants, such as com, sugarcane, soybeans, and other agricultural crops. In an embodiment, the carbon dioxide adsorbent is derived from lignocellulosic biomass waste. Examples of the lignocellulosic biomass waste include, but are not limited to, empty fruit bunch, palm kernel shell, oil palm fronds and trunks, bamboo, acacia, rice husk, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the lignocellulosic biomass is empty fruit bunch.

[0035] In an embodiment, the carbon dioxide adsorbent can be derived from pyrolysis of biomass. Conventional thermochemical pyrolysis techniques may be employed. To illustrate, the biomass can be first dried to remove all water content and subsequently delignified with sodium hydroxide. The delignified lignocellulosic biomass can be reduced to smaller size and then pyrolysed at the present of catalysts and at temperature of about 300 °C to 400 °C, yielding biomass -char and other products in liquid and gaseous forms. The biomass-char, which is highly stable and contains more than 65% carbon, can be then reduced to smaller size to be used as the carbon dioxide adsorbent.

[0036] In an embodiment, the carbon dioxide adsorbent may be present in an amount of about 1% to 10% by volume based on the total volume of the paint composition, for example, about 1% to 9% by volume, or about 1% to 8% by volume, or about 1% to 7% by volume, or about 1% to 6% by volume, or about 1% to 5% by volume, or about 1% to 4% by volume, or about 1% to 3% by volume, or about 2% to 10% by volume, or about 2% to 9% by volume, or about 2% to 8% by volume, or about 2% to 7% by volume, or about 2% to 6% by volume, or about 2% to 5% by volume, or about 2% to 4% by volume, or about 2% to 3% by volume, or about 3% to 5% by volume, or about 3% to 8% by volume, or about 3% to 10% by volume, or about 5% to 8% by volume, or about 5% to 10% by volume.

[0037] In an embodiment, the paint composition may further comprise an additive to enhance various properties of the paint composition such as durability, appearance, and performance. The additive may include one or more of a water softening agent, a pH stabilizer, a deformer, a dispersion agent, a thickener, an extender, and any other additives that are compatible with the paint composition. The specific types of additives may vary depending on the type of paint (for example, water-based, oilbased, and latex) and the desired characteristics.

[0038] Although not specifically mentioned herein, it should be noted that other basic components of paint composition, namely, binder, pigment, and solvent can be selected from a range of available sources. The specific types of binder, pigment, and solvent may vary depending on the type of paint and the desired characteristics.

[0039] The paint composition exhibits an average particle size within the nano range. In an embodiment, the average particle size of the paint composition is less than 100 nm, for example, less than 95 nm, less than 90 nm, less than 85 nm, less than 80 nm, less than 75 nm, less than 70 nm, less than 65 nm, less than 60 nm, less than 55 nm, or less than 50 nm.

[0040] Example

[0041] An exemplary paint composition of the present invention is prepared with the composition in Table 1. The amount of binder, pigment, solvent, and additives is calculated as percentage by weight of the paint composition. The amount of heat- reflective and thermal insulating agent and CO2 adsorbent is calculated as percentage by volume of the paint composition. The additives used include water softening agent, pH stabilizer, deformer, dispersion agent, thickener, and extender, each in a suitable amount to achieve the desired characteristics of the paint composition set out in Table 2. Table 1

[0042] Table 2 Evaluation of Heat Reflective and Thermal Insulator Characteristics

[0043] To evaluate the heat reflective characteristics of the paint composition, 2 layers of the paint composition are applied to a prototype cement container. The painted cement container is then placed outdoor with sunlight exposure, together with an unpainted cement container for comparison. The ambient temperature as well as the inner surface temperature of both the painted and unpainted cement containers are recorded for 12 hours. As shown in Fig. 1, the inner surface temperature of the painted cement container demonstrates a lower temperature profile than that of the ambient temperature and the unpainted cement container.

[0044] Separately, four samples of prototype cement container are prepared according to Table 3. The samples are placed outdoor in an open area under direct sunlight from 10 am in the morning to 2.30 pm in the afternoon. The ambient temperature as well as the inner surface temperature of the samples during this period are recorded. As shown in Fig. 2, the inner surface temperature of Container 1 demonstrates a lower temperature profile than that of Containers 2 to 4. During peak time (12 noon), Container 1 demonstrates the lowest temperature reading.

[0045] Table 3

[0046] Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide Adsorbing Characteristics

[0047] Two samples of cement boards are prepared, one of which is coated with 2 layers of the present paint composition and the other is uncoated with a conventional paint as control. The cement boards are separately placed in a closed chamber. Air within the chamber is then completely removed. Subsequently, CO2 is introduced into the chamber until the pressure in the chamber reaches 1 atm. The initial CO2 concentration (ppm) in the chamber and after 24 hours are measured and shown in Table 4. As shown in Table 4, the sample coated with the present paint composition demonstrates superior CO2 removal capabilities (the gram of CO2 removed per lm2 / year) while the control (conventional paint) does not show any CO2 removal capabilities.

[0048] Table 4

[0049] The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A paint composition comprising: a heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent; a binder; a pigment; and a solvent, wherein the heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent is a nano-sized biomassbased particle.

2. The paint composition according to claim 1, wherein the heat-reflective and thermal insulating agent is present in an amount of 1% to 10% by volume of the paint composition.

3. The paint composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the biomass-based particle is a biomass-based phenolic particle.

4. The paint composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat- reflective and thermal insulating agent is derived from lignocellulosic biomass waste having a thermal conductivity value of less than 0.2 W / mK.

5. The paint composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising a carbon dioxide adsorbent.

6. The paint composition according to claim 5, wherein the carbon dioxide adsorbent is present in an amount of 1% to 10% by volume of the paint composition.

7. The paint composition according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the carbon dioxide adsorbent is derived from biomass.

8. The paint composition according to claim 4 or 7, wherein the biomass is empty fruit bunch.

9. The paint composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising an additive.

10. The paint composition according to claim 9, wherein the additive includes one or more of a water softening agent, a pH stabilizer, a deformer, a dispersion agent, a thickener, and an extender.

11. The paint composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a particle size of the paint composition is in nano-size.

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